PAUL Jewell’s defensive problems have increased after it was confirmed Troy Brown was leaving the club.

The 20-year-old was seen as one player who might benefit from Gareth McAuley’s departure – even though Jewell was expected to bring in a more experienced partner alongside Damien Delaney.

But Brown has seemingly decided his football education would be better served elsewhere after he initially looked set to accept a one-year deal at Ipswich.

This leaves Jewell with just two recognised centre backs on the books, Delaney and fellow left-footer Tommy Smith, and means signing one or maybe two more has become almost as pressing as the search for a new striker.

Many view signing a right-back as another priority while there are concerns about left-back Mark Kennedy’s injury problems last term.

Brown, a Welsh Under-21 international who has also played right back, made 10 starts for Ipswich last season.