Veteran defender Fabian Wilnis says the Blues can be amongst next season's play-off contenders. The Dutchman, 37 in August, has signed a new one-year deal with Town.

Wilnis told the club site: "I think it took six months or so for the players to adapt to what the new manager wanted, and for Jim to settle into the job as well.

"It was a new structure and way of working for us all and it took a while to gel.

"Over the last two or three months of the season though, things started to click and you could see the potential we have in the squad.

"We have to build on that next season and start well, something we didn't do last year. If we get going from the first game, then I can see us pushing hard for a place in the top six.

"It won't be easy because there are a lot of good teams in the Championship, but the belief is there."

Town's game with Bristol City at Ashton Gate, set for Tuesday, 4th December, could switch date as Bristol Rovers also have a home game scheduled for the same evening. One of the two games will move to the Wednesday.

Elsewhere, Town are claimed to be one of several Championship clubs chasing Celtic striker Craig Beattie. West Brom are said to be heading the chase with Sheffield United also interested in the 23-year-old.

The reported £750,000 price tag would suggest that the Scotland international is unlikely to be in Jim Magilton's plans while Franny Jeffers is still the number one summer target and with the expected Darren Bent windfall yet to materialise.

Get the fastest and most comprehensive Ipswich Town news service at ipswichtown.footballlatest.co.uk.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls