Cole Skuse: It’s about building – not a quick fix

Cole Skuse wants to be part of a long-term project at Ipswich Town.

The Blues are dark horses for a top six finish in the Championship this season, the hope being that Mick McCarthy’s shrewd man-management and transfer dealings can overcome the restrictions of a limited budget.

However, following four successive bottom-half finishes, most accept that the good times are unlikely to return overnight and that solid foundations need to be laid first.

And 27-year-old midfielder Skuse – who had spent his entire career at hometown club Bristol City before a Bosman switch this summer – says he is fully prepared to be part of steady progress.

“We’ve got our own individual and collective goals to push on to that next stage and finish in the top six,” said the playmaker, who is a doubt for tomorrow’s visit of Leeds United with an Achilles injury.

“I’ve signed a long contract (three years), I know it’s not a quick fix and that’s no drama for me. I’m here to help build something.”

Asked if he felt promotion to the top-flight was achievable within the next three years, he said: “I don’t see any reason why not.

“I could stand here and say things in interviews because I know that’s what people want to hear, but that’s not the case. I can genuinely feel the positivity around the place, we’ve got some great players and this club seems ready to get back in the Premier League.”

Skuse has impressed during his four games for Ipswich, with McCarthy having quickly stated that his summer signing would be more than capable of playing in the top-flight.

“I’ve actually thanked him for his comments,” said Skuse. “For a guy like Mick McCarthy to single you out so early on and say you could play in the Premier League is something.

“I’m stuck for words a little bit, I don’t know what to say; it’s just very, very flattering.”

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