IPSWICH Town players are going into the new season in style - with regular training breaks to have lunch at a top class hotel.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town players are going into the new season in style - with regular training breaks to have lunch at a top class hotel.

With their Playford Road training ground canteen temporarily out of action while it is being re-furbished, Blues manager Roy Keane has been taking his staff to the swish Milsoms Kesgrave Hall for lunch.

The hotel boasts a lunchtime menu that includes pressing of braised rabbit and Suffolk smoked eel among its delicacies with caramelised bread and butter pudding iced apple parfait to finish off.

“Yes, we living in style,” said Jon Walters, who is again expected to be one of Town's tastiest performers after being one of their stars under previous manager Jim Magilton.

“When we go away to an overnight hotel we are used to pasta and chicken etc and we are not experiencing this after or between training.

“We are not eating from the main menu at Milsoms but from a buffet, and when our canteen is up and running again it be just as spot on.

“The manager is keen that we eat and drink the right things.”

Keane has organised a number of double training sessions in the lead up to Sunday's Coca-Cola Championship opener against Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena.

And Walters has quickly gained full respect for Keane, and is anticipating a successful Town season.

“My first impressions of the manager have been very good and I like his attention to detail,” added Walters.

“He set high standards from day one and there is no hiding and no cheating.

“If you are not doing it you will be told, and I am sure if you are not liked you will be moved on.

“With a combination of owner Marcus Evans and Keane I agree there are huge expectations this season.

“And if the players are not ready to handle that we shouldn't be here. We have all got a chance and are all pushing each other.

“Liam Trotter has been given a fresh chance and although he has had a little niggle he is thriving.”

Walters missed the Coventry game when they were the last visitors to Portman Road last season, but he confirmed that he is over his ruptured ankle ligaments and bruised joints now.

“I feel good, and am looking for a return to the form I was able to produce in my early days with Ipswich.

“I was playing on the right when we had our best run, and I am happy to be playing there again. Some games I might be dropping back in a more defensive role, and others playing 30 yards forward.”

Walters is convinced that the three teams that dropped out of the Premier League last season - Newcastle, Middlesbrough and West Brom - are in for a sharp shock.

“Coventry may not be favourites to go but they will give us a tough match,” said Walters, who will be 27 next month.

“There are no easy matches coming up for us, and I expect those who might be scrapping for points at the wrong end of the table to give a shock to those who have come down.

“After being used to a slower style of football and then some explosive action leading to a goal they might not realise what is ahead of them.”