Reserve team coach Steve McCall says the Blues will be in the promotion shake-up next season despite the likely departure of a large number of first teamers during the summer. Darren Bent has joined Charlton, Kelvin Davis is on the verge of signing for Sunderland, while Shefki Kuqi, Tommy Miller and Jim Magilton could leave on Bosmans.
McCall told the club site: "When Matt Holland and Hermann Hreidarsson left there were some negative comments about our future, but we improved on our position the following year.
"Then last summer we lost the likes of John McGreal, Jermaine Wright, Martijn Reuser and Chris Makin, yet moved forward again, finishing third.
"I've no doubt the manager will look to bring in new players when things settle down with the out of contract players and Kelvin.
"We have been looking at players at home and abroad and the manager will be ready to make a move when the time is right, but whatever happens the target for next season will remain the same - promotion."