ON paper, Paul Jewell has assembled a squad that is the envy of the Championship.

One that started on Saturday with 10 players with Premier League experience and another two on the bench.

With a midfield of Lee Bowyer, Jimmy Bullard and Keith Andrews that should rival any other in the second tier of English football.

But on the pitch, something is clearly not working after the 2-0 defeat by Blackpool made it five losses in six matches.

The Town boss has admitted he is searching for the right formula while experienced centre back Ibrahima Sonko is fully aware that reputations alone get you nowhere in the hustle and bustle of the Championship.

But Sonko, who lined up alongside new signing Danny Collins, believes Town are making progress – despite a dismal second-half showing which leaves the Blues 17th in the Championship.

When asked about team mates that have played Champions League semi-finals or been part of Fabio Capello’s England squads, Sonko said: “Names don’t play football.

“But I do honestly think we are getting there and I know, for sure, it is going to work.

“We are making progress. We have a great team and we look stronger and better on the ball.”

Sonko’s optimism might not strike a chord with all Town fans after second-half goals from Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Barry Ferguson condemned Jewell’s new-look side to another defeat. Especially as the Blues registered just one shot on target – and that came in the 92nd minute.

Jewell admitted: “At the moment we are a team that is lacking, we don’t have the right formula. We are searching for that formula, but we are a bit unbalanced, we know that.

“It’s hard work, and, to be honest, we don’t know our best team is at the moment.”