PATIENCE could become a virtue for Ipswich fans this week with supporters anticipating three new signings for next season.

Some fans have started to show their frustration at the club’s lack of signings – youngster Elliott Hewitt the only addition in the nine weeks since a ball was kicked in anger.

But with July heralding the end of contracts and the growth of the free agent list, Paul Jewell’s summer revolution could really start to take shape ahead of Thursday’s official start of pre-season training.

By the time the squad meet up, Jason Scotland should have finally committed himself to the club for another 12 months, with the striker accepting a pay cut to remain at Portman Road.

Most supporters will welcome this news but only if it is followed by four to six actual new faces.

Likewise, the expected arrival of French-Guinean midfielder Cheik Kourouma, who is due to arrive in Suffolk for a medical later this week, will be saluted as a signing of the future.

But sources close to the box-to-box midfielder have suggested that it will take a while for the 19-year-old to adapt to the British game having spent time on the fringes of both Sochaux in France and Genoa in Italy.

The most eagerly-anticipated would be former Nottingham Forest centre-back Luke Chambers, who yesterday became a free agent.

Jewell is said to be leading the race for the defender although reports over the weekend suggest Leeds United are also monitoring the situation.

With Derby County striker Steve Davies admitting to interest from Town, things are finally starting to heat up. But Ipswich fans won’t rest easy until they start seeing new faces paraded at Portman Road.

This week would be a good time to start.