2011/12 Season Preview: Ipswich Town

A VitalWatford-tinted look at the Tractor Boys ahead of August 6…

A VitalWatford-tinted look at the Tractor Boys ahead of August 6…

Gaffer: Paul Jewell, who having taken over from the sacked Roy Keane last season enters his first full campaign in Suffolk.

Made his name in getting teams out of the second-tier, it’s very much in the Town thinking that the Scouser will deliver something similar this season.

Position 10/11: After the up-and-down nature of Keane’s tenure at the club, a solid 13th place.

In: Michael Chopra (Cardiff City, £1.5m), Ivar Ingimarsson (Free Transfer), Nathan Ellington (Free Transfer), Aaron Cresswell (Tranmere Rovers, Tribunal) and Lee Bowyer (Free Transfer).

Out: Conor Wickham (Sunderland £8.1m), Gareth McAuley (Free Transfer) and David Norris (Free Transfer).

Star Man: Michael Chopra is a striker with pedigree for scoring Championship goals and although last season was a frustrating one for the former Newcastle and Sunderland man, he will be looking to prove himself at Portman Road.

Eighty-seven goals in 200 league starts and the £9m spent trading him over the years suggests a goalscorer, and arguably in his pomp at 27.

Best Business: Selling striker Conor Wickham for £8m (rising to £12m), is an excellent fee.

Of course, Sunderland are buying potential but at 18 there’s nothing to say he will fulfill that. Thirteen goals in 65 Tractor Boys appearances wasn’t spectacular; that kind of money is.

Prediction: Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is a set to sign today and you get the feeling Jewell isn’t done there. A tidy squad is in construction, I expect Town to finish in the top six.