Football Season Guide

Ipswich Town boss Paul Jewell has been a busy man throughout the close season. The Tractor Boys desperately needed rejuvenating after another indifferent mid-table campaign which saw former boss Roy Keane lose his job in the New Year. Skipper David Norris, defender Gareth McAuley and attacking starlet, Connor Wickham all departed the club before pre-season, further increasing the need for fresh blood at Portman Road. Prolific Cardiff City striker Michael Chopra arrived in Suffolk for a fresh challenge, while Lee Bowyer and Ivar Ingimarsson also provide experience and steel from back to front. Perhaps Jewell’s most intriguing summer signing is that of Arsenal youngster, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas. The versatile attacking midfielder failed to breakthrough into the Gunners senior squad and will be looking to make a name for himself with Town after previously enjoying successful loan spells in the Championship with Cardiff, Doncaster and Blackpool respectively. Ipswich remain one of the most ambitious sides in the division and this year could finally see them emerge as credible top six contenders.