Blues boss Paul Jewell says he aims to bring to an end the “conveyor belt” of players moving in and out of Portman Road.
Although looking to add to his squad in the summer, Jewell feels it’s important that there is greater stability at the club in the future: "I’ve had a long conversation with the players and one of the things that’s come out of that chat is that it’s been like a conveyor belt of players here.
"Whether that’s loan players or players coming in and then getting sold, and I’ve been a part of that. I think it’s important that we get some continuity here, where there are people actually here, living in the area and committed.
I’m not saying that those lads aren’t committed but there’s something about people who are here permanently. Loan players can think, ‘I can always go back to my permanent club, I’m only here for three months or whatever it is’. We want to improve that togetherness and I think the players will thrive on that.”
Chief executive Simon Clegg recently told TWTD that he had completed 47 permanent and loan signings since joining the club in April 2009, 44 different players plus Jack Colback, Daryl Murphy and Jimmy Bullard who have all been signed twice, a total which Jewell admits is far too many: "It is ridiculous and I take responsibility for my part in that. As I’ve said a few times this year, we were searching for a formula rather than getting a plan and [sticking to it].
"Me and Marcus have sat down on lots of occasions. We know where we want to go. Maybe we’ve got to make sure that the way we want to go is the right way rather than at times just trying to find short-term fixes. We’ve got to plan for the future.
"It’s difficult because people want instant success. When we made a lot of signings in the summer, I think people thought ‘great’ and some of those signings have been smashing , don’t get me wrong, but we’ve got to have a long-term plan and stick with it if possible and be strong when it doesn’t work out at times.”
Meanwhile, Town will reveal the two new kits for next season on Thursday. The club have produced a website in preparation for the launch.