x

Cook: Start of Pre-Season Exciting But Building a Team Can Be a Slow Process - Ipswich Town News

Boss Paul Cook says the first few days of pre-season have been exciting but has warned that building a new team can be a slow process.

The Town squad returned for pre-season training on Saturday with six new signings now involved at Playford Road. A number of last season’s first-teamers are training with the U23s, although as reported at the weekend Armando Dobra has been promoted back to the senior squad.

"There may have been some concerns from the supporters following the drastic action at the end of last season, but we are starting to build a new team and that can be a slow process," Cook told the club site.

"We're looking to bring quality into the club and I am really delighted with what we have done so far.

"We were in a difficult position with where we finished last season, so naturally there was unhappiness around the club.

"Going forward though, I think the supporters will be pleased to hear that we are going through every detail in terms of recruitment.

"To make a good team you need a mix of experience, youth, energy, goals - there are a lot of factors. We've had meetings with the board and [CEO] Mark Ashton and we are aligned in what we want to do.

"Everyone wants the best for the club and we're working on what is required to take us forward.

"We've returned for pre-season now which is great, and we want to see the players integrating and gelling because we will need that after a lot of change. The first few days of pre-season have been exciting.”

What to read next:

[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Chaplin: New Trio Impressing Everyone
Town forward Conor Chaplin says he and his teammates have been impressed by the new arrivals of David Button, Cedric Kipre and Azor Matusiwa.
Nigerian Youngster on Trial With U21s and U18s
Nigerian youngster Sunday Joseph is among the trialists to have featured the Blues’ U21s and U18s during pre-season.
U18s Beaten at Brightlingsea
Town's U18s were well-beaten 4-1 by Isthmian League North Division side Brightlingsea Regent at North Road in a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon.
McKenna: We Need to Expand Our Scouting Networks and Recruit From Different Markets
Town manager Kieran McKenna has spoken about his first two outfield signings, Azor Matusiwa and Cedric Kipre, who played a half each in today’s 4-1 friendly win at Blau-Weiß Linz, and says the Blues need to be in a position to recruit more players from overseas.
McKenna: Muric Close to Return, Slicker Set For Loan
Town manager Kieran McKenna believes Aro Muric could still have a part to play at Portman Road as he closes in on a return from injury, while revealing Scotland international Cieran Slicker wasn’t on the pre-season trip to Austria as he is looking at loan options.
McKenna: A Fair Bit Left in the Summer, I Think There'll Be Movement in Both Directions
Kieran McKenna expects movement in both directions before the transfer window closes on Monday 1st September.
McKenna: Friendly Win Finished Off Training Week Well
Blues manager Kieran McKenna felt this afternoon’s 4-1 defeat of Blau-Weiß Linz was the ideal way to finish off a “really good” week’s training in Austria.
McKenna: Interest in Omari Natural
Town boss Kieran McKenna says the interest in Blues forward Omari Hutchinson is no surprise with Brentford understood to have made multiple offers for the England U21 international.
Chaplin: Skip Has Been Brilliant
Town forward Conor Chaplin has paid tribute to Blues captain Sam Morsy, who is close to leaving the club to join Kuwait SC in the Middle East.