IPSWICH Town manager Paul Jewell today insisted to fans wavering about whether to renew their season tickets that 2011/12 has the makings of being a good campaign.

Another defeat at home to lowly Scunthorpe tomorrow (kick-off 3pm) will lead to more gloom and doom among supporters starved of success for so long now.

But Jewell’s message is that he is desperate to bring in a 20-goal a season striker by August and that he has already got his plans in place to strengthen his squad.

“I can tell our fans that we will be better next season,” said Jewell.

“With two wins we will be in the Championship again for sure, and I’m sure we’ll do that.

“I’m aware that supporters want to enjoy games and to want to come and watch.

“At the moment our strikers are not clever enough and we desperately need a goalscorer, perhaps two and we will improve that situation in the coming months.

“I’ve actively set about doing that.

“We have started the process and have put feelers out and a list of players we are going for and of course not all strikers.

“There is not a bottomless bit money, but we all know that we must improve.

“With the players we have targeted and the ones we have here I’m hopeful of putting together a competitive side.”

Jewell identified what is missing from his current side and what areas he is particularly looking to improve on.

“We need pace and good energy in the team plus more aggression and desire in both boxes.

“We don’t have too many players at the moment prepared to go in there and get hurt – this is what we need.”

Jewell did not exclude 17-year-old Connor Wickham from blame when it comes to the way his side has struggled to put the ball into the net.

“Connor may be playing wide, but he should be on the end of crosses that come in from the opposite side,” added Jewell.

“He was on the end of one or two on Tuesday against Reading, but it should have been more.

“With a bit more belief we would score more times.

“Connor is a young lad learning his trade who will be a top player and he is line for so many awards he will probably win a BAFTA next!

“He handles it well and is a level headed lad who takes it all in his stride.”

Wickham has been nominated with Will Buckley (Watford) and Henri Lansbury (Norwich City) as Championship Young Player of the Year.

Jewell is hoping more younger players will follow Tommy Smith and Ronan Murray out on loan before next Thursday’s deadline.

“It is better playing at Playford Road or Didcot in a reserve fixture, but most clubs are looking to loan experienced players.”

WILL you be renewing your season ticket? Let us know – e-mail starsport@eveningstar.co.uk