IPSWICH TOWN: Blues manager Roy Keane has set himself a must do target of pocketing half a dozen points in the opening four games of next season.

“This will give us a chance of success,” said the Town manager, who expects to adopt a similar pre-season to 12 months ago.

He expects to complete his search for an experienced assistant and to bring in a proven striker when he completes his summer holiday.

Speaking on Ipswich Player website, Keane said: “There is no tip toeing around it – last season was a disappointment.

“Results picked up from October onwards, but after the start we had we gave ourselves far too much to do.

“There will not be too much different in our preparations this time around, but we need to ensure that we pick up five or six points from our opening four of five matches.

“Looking back the warning signs were there when we lost a couple of pre-season games in Ireland and failed to score goals.

“And when the season began a lack of goals and a lack of goal threat was something that surprised us all.

“It’s my number one priority to rectify that, but there are lots of things that need improving.

“Proven strikers costs money and I’ve had a couple of meetings with the owner and chief executive about bringing one in and its up in the air at the moment.

“I have identified a target that I feel is a realistic one, but you have to ensure that you get the right man and these things take time.”

Keane has revealed that he doesn’t want a yes man as his assistant – he wants someone who will question him.

“Even when I was at Sunderland I was thinking about bringing in someone as assistant,” added Keane.

“But with everything else to do I did not get round to it.

“I’m due a meeting with someone soon and hopefully it will work out and they will want to come and work with me.

“A yes man would be no good to me.

“I want someone who has managed at a high level and has the right experience.

“And someone who will challenge me.

“My current staff do question me, but if I have people around me agreeing all the while I get worried.

“We lacked experienced last season at player and at staff levels – and it showed.”

N (SQUARE) HARTLEPOOL United are set to show an interest in signing Colin Healy next season either on a permanent signing or on a year-long loan. The League One club tried to sign the midfielder from Irish football last summer before Town stepped in.