Town manager Paul Jewell says the Championship could be even harder during 2011/12 with the likes of Southampton and Brighton having been promoted from League One. The Blues boss expects a very competitive division with plenty of clubs looking to get back into the top flight.

Jewell said: "I hear people say Ipswich have got Premier League facilities, stadium, training ground and Premier League history, and it's true. But if you look around the Championship, so have half the league.

"There are some big, big clubs in this division. It's a tough league to get out of and when you look at the clubs that have come down and the likes of Southampton and Brighton, who will be boosted by playing at a new ground, who have come up, you can argue it will be even harder next season.

"We're looking forward to the challenge though. The countdown has started. We'll be back in pre-season training in two weeks [June 29th]. The excitement of knowing a new season is around the corner will be there and we'll be ready to go on August 6th."

Meanwhile, released Town striker Kevin Lisbie says that although he’d like to return to Millwall, where he was on loan last season, he’d be pleased wherever he goes as long as he's be playing regularly: "I did enjoy myself there, but at this stage of my career I just want to be playing football and I'd be happy to get a contract anywhere to do that.

"Obviously, rejoining Millwall would be my ideal choice, but I'll be happy at any club as long as I'm playing regularly next season.

"I'm hoping that there will be a bit more movement and a few things in the pipeline by the end of this month,” he added.

"I've told my agent not to call me until something concrete crops up and at the moment I've not heard from him, so I assume that apart from initial interest nothing serious has presented itself."

Photo: Action Images

maximoalex added 13:52 - Jun 20 Something concrete? Just your boots, Lisbie
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comeonthegoodtimes added 13:56 - Jun 20 If you've told him not to call you till something concrete comes along it could be a quiet old summer mate, How about you put yourself out there and show people that your not just after the money although i guess by saying you don't mind where you play is that Millwall have no intention of signing you next year......never mind, head up son.... As for the new season, I totally agree with what what PJ says, It will be one of the hardest seasons to get out of this league. be happy with a Play off place if handed it now although with the signings and potential signings on offer i'm looking forward to doing battle next season.... COYB

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cooper4england added 13:57 - Jun 20 "Told my agent not to call me until something concrete crops up and at the moment I've not heard from him" Actually spat my tea out p***ing myself. Visions of Lisbie sitting by phone "Please ring, oh please ring"!!!
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manualthetisfanclub added 14:00 - Jun 20 Does this mean that lisbies prepared to move out of london to get a game? Fat to no chance!
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jas0999 added 14:10 - Jun 20 Perhaps Lisbie has finally realised that he's not as good as he thinks and will not get a massive wage! 1st division club at best. Lisbie was by far and away JM's worst signing IMO.
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comeonthegoodtimes added 14:17 - Jun 20 Worst signing?????? maybe not the worst, What about ivan Campo? i know alot of people liked him but IMO that bench never has looked the same since he left, so many injuries for one so young..........opps sorry he was the 36 year old has been, waste of space.
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TractorRoyNo1 added 14:18 - Jun 20 Dear PJ - if you are aiming for 6th place we will probably come 8th, AIM for 1st and see where it takes us, Nodge showed what can be done with a YOUNG, ATTACKING team last year, that's the BLUE-print.
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whoppit added 14:38 - Jun 20 Making pre-emptive excuses already are you??
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jas0999 added 14:40 - Jun 20 comeonthegoodtimes - fair point, but for me Lisbie was worse than him. Just for his sheer arrogance.
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smelliott added 14:44 - Jun 20 JMs worse has to be ben thatcher?! deary me
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sonian_blue added 14:57 - Jun 20 Optimism abounds. Every year it gets harder - according to the current boss but approach it in a positive way and with the right attitude and anything is possible. I sense doubt creeping in already and lets face it we have hardly strengthened have we?
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brian_a_mul added 14:59 - Jun 20 Thatcher wasnt too bad, what about former Budgies keeper Marshall??
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ITFC4daprem added 15:04 - Jun 20 der
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comeonthegoodtimes added 15:07 - Jun 20 sonian_blue - Are you sure we haven't strengthend? Chopra for Scotland?
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bluepeter added 15:33 - Jun 20 John Scales was our biggest waste of all time!
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bluepeter added 15:34 - Jun 20 oops, or mark Fish.
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Daleyitfc added 15:36 - Jun 20 Good to get your excuses in early....
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Wickets added 16:36 - Jun 20 Nowt new here!! yes it will be tough, always has been tough, always will be tough!! i agree with tractor roy no 1, lets have hungry players along with the older ones.
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wellhungphil added 17:37 - Jun 20 I could see Lisbie doing a job for AFC Wimbledon in League 2. Looking at their fixtures this season compared with seasons gone by recently, I'd be delighted if they could just stay up for a while! Come on ye bloos and yellow and bloos! Le Phil
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oldelsworthyfan added 18:07 - Jun 20 We should be looking to top the Championship. We've the right Manager and providing he is able to buy the key players, that is not an unreasonable target, particularly if we hope to survive in the Premiership. A mixture of youth and experience please.
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broomfield123 added 18:41 - Jun 20 Im getting fed up of peaples exuces about how hard the championship is.We know this,the players know this and Jewell knows this so please tell me something new.
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djgooder added 18:47 - Jun 20 Our last manager started by saying how he had been given the task of being promoted within two years but he himself expected to do it in one. Well, I prefer PJ being a little more cautious, I would rather he under promised yet in the end over delivered.
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paul73 added 18:51 - Jun 20 Amir karic and ulrich le pen...now thats what you call a waste of money.
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paul73 added 18:52 - Jun 20 Amir karic and ulrich le pen...now thats what you call a waste of money.
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blrmy added 19:18 - Jun 20 No sh1t Sherlock! So?
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