Town left-back Aaron Cresswell has no fear of competition for his role in the side — in fact he welcomes it.
Manager Paul Jewell admitted the fact that Cresswell and full-back partner Carlos Edwards only missed a handful of games between them during 2012/12 was a welcome bonus.
But the Town boss is likely to add as many as half a dozen new signings to his squad in the summer and Cresswell said: "Competition for places is a good thing — for starters it gives you a push.
"The challenge is there for every player to hold on to his place in the side. If a new left-back comes in, for example, it will gee me up and every position in the team is the same.
"Don’t forget, Joe Whight is also going to be pressing for a place. I know he’s only young but he is not short of ability and I’m sure he will also keep me on my toes.”
Meanwhile, Cresswell was delighted to be selected as the supporters’ Player of the Year, an honour bestowed at the end of his debut season as an Ipswich player.
The ex-Tranmere player added: "I was thrilled to get it but I felt there were other candidates who would also have been worthy winners.
"Carlos hardly missed a game and was consistent, while both Andy Drury and Lee Martin were instrumental in us having a better second half of the season. Luke Hyam also came in and the team did well with him in it.
"If it had been Carlos, Andy or Lee I don’t think anyone would have complained. My vote in the Players’ Player of the Year poll went to Carlos and I was pleased to see him win it.”
Meanwhile, the Blues continue to be linked with Leicester’s Scottish international winger or striker Paul Gallagher, who was first reported to be the subject of Town interest early in the month.
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