IPSWICH Town chairman David Sheepshanks has confirmed that he is hoping to see a Championship reserve league next season.He wants a new structure formed, and discussions are already taking place.

By Elvin King

IPSWICH Town chairman David Sheepshanks has confirmed that he is hoping to see a Championship reserve league next season.

He wants a new structure formed, and discussions are already taking place.

And if it comes to fruition, Ipswich will be pitting their wits against sides of a similar standard rather than the second elevens of clubs like Conference League Stevenage.

“We are still spitting blood after the Premier League kicked us out of their reserve league, giving us just two months to find an alternative for this season,” said Sheepshanks.

“Midlands clubs prefer to play ad hoc games against each other, leaving teams in the north and the south - with larger distances to travel - in the lurch.

“We are trying to get over the difficulties and form a Championship reserve league for 2007/08.”

Sheepshanks has not given up hope of still gaining promotion to the Premiership via the Championship play-offs - and if so Ipswich's second string will return to the Premier Reserve League next season.