Ipswich Town manager Paul Jewell admits he is growing frustrated by failed attempts to land the “two or three” more new signings he craves before the start of the new Championship season.

Just like in the 3-1 home win over West Ham on Saturday, a youthful Blues starting XI impressed in the first half at League One side Colchester United last night before the team faded following a series of substitutions.

Speaking after his side’s 2-1 victory – Michael Chopra scoring both goals – Jewell said: “I still want to bring in a few players.

“It’s been frustrating because I know we need to strengthen. We’re a bit short of me being happy with the squad, but I’ve got to have patience and make sure those that do come in are the right ones.

“We had a couple of bids rejected over the weekend and whether we go back in for them remains to be seen. We’re working exceptionally hard to improve the squad.”

Town remain in deadlock with Derby County over transfer-listed striker Steve Davies, with Jewell refusing to budge on his �500,000 valuation of the player.

“It’s a bit frustrating,” admitted Jewell. “Lots of clubs try and play games of poker over transfers, just as we would do too.

“We want competition for places all over the pitch. I know, and I think everyone knows, that we need to improve our squad

“We’ve done exceptionally well in the first half of the last two games, but I think we are still two or three players short.

“We’ve got an honest group of players, but when you take our main players out I do think we lack a little bit of depth.”