Striker Sam Parkin is back at the club ahead of next Monday's start to pre-season determined to get fit for the season ahead. Parkin is one of a number of players already preparing for 2006/07.

Parkin, who missed most of last season after breaking an ankle, said: "I was grateful that I had that run-out down at Plymouth [on the final day of last season], but I had done hardly any training beforehand and I was definitely lagging behind in terms of fitness.

"It was important that I came back from holiday and started to work straight away on my fitness. Yesterday [Monday] was my first day back and although we're not officially due to start until next Monday, about half the squad were there.

"It was left up to us if we wanted to come in early and the fact that so many of the lads opted to report back a week early has to be a good sign."

Amongst those joining Parkin in an early return to work are Gavin Williams, Richard Naylor, Scott Barron, Jason De Vos, Jaime Peters, Ian Westlake and Fabian Wilnis.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls