‘Judge him on the cards I’ve dealt him’ - Evans on Lambert expectations amid ‘no significant transfer budget’

Ipswich Town owner Marcus Evans, pictured at Burton, with Paul Lambert (inset). Picture: PAGEPIX (Image: Archant)

Writing as part of a lengthy message to the club's fans, ahead of the weekend's home opener against Sunderland, the Ipswich owner spells out the club's current financial state and discusses the potential for further additions to the squad.

He ends his message with a section dedicated to Lambert and the club's expectations, making it clear the Town boss has been charged with a long-term project rather than a quick fix.

"And one final point I want to make is that I hope everyone will judge the manager on the cards he has been dealt by me and not just on our expectations," he wrote.

MORE: Ipswich Town owner Evans on the impact of relegation, transfer budgets, resisting sales and improving Portman Road

Town owner Marcus Evans watches on with Lee O'Neill. Picture: STEVE WALLER WWW.STEPHENWALLER.COM (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

"I know that expectations quite rightly are high and that due to Premier League parachute payments and big spenders in the Championship, we have gone from a team with a budget in the bottom 10 of the Championship to a team with a budget in the top 10 of League One.

"However, please reflect on the fact that I have asked Paul, along with his coaching staff to accept the challenge of developing a team, not just for this year - which absent any player sales will be without the benefit of any significant transfer budget - but for the years ahead as well.

"He will be giving our younger players a chance and they will need time and support along the way. This league has some big teams and experienced squads to pit against our developing talent. We are not the only club aiming for a top two position.

MORE: Three still the target for Lambert and Evans as Ipswich look to do business in 'slow' transfer market

Ipswich Town owner Marcus Evans has been at the club more since Paul Lambert's appoiuntment as manager. Photo: Laura Macleod (Image: Archant)

"That said, be assured that everyone is working at full throttle to get the most out of the group and have a season we can be proud of.

"Let's have a great season and if your support is even half as good as last year (but let's crank it up a notch) then you will be more than doing your part to push us over the line."

The Blues began their season with a 1-0 win at Burton Albion and are among the favourites for promotion from League One.

Ipswich Town boss Paul Lambert has discussed his transfer frustrations and relationship with owner Marcus Evans. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)