Hurst makes wingers a top priority as he discusses potential moves in transfer market

Paul Hurst is led to the media room by press officer Steve Pearce ahead of his unveiling. Photo: Steve Waller (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

The new Blues boss was officially unveiled today after being appointed as Mick McCarthy’s replacement at the end of May, having guided former club Shrewsbury to the League One Play-Off Final, and was asked whether he already has specific transfer targets in mind.

With Grant Ward and returning loanee Danny Rowe the only wide players in the current Ipswich squad, Hurst is clear in his aim in adding width as soon as possible.

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“One thing I don’t mind saying publicly is that, in terms of balance, I don’t think we have got enough wingers,” he said. “I like wide players. I like players to carry the ball up the pitch.

“As fans we like those players, naturally. Someone who can get you off your seat.

“There has to be an end product though. A couple of lads I had last year (Alex Rodman and Shaun Whalley), not only was there the assists and the goals they contributed to, but they also did the other bits. There has to be clear evidence they are contributing. There is no point beating three players and kicking it behind the goal. You might get a little round of applause, but if you keep doing that will soon stop.

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“It’s an area I am keen to bring a couple of players in.”

But while Hurst has already identified areas in which he would like to add to his squad, the new Blues boss insists every player currently at the club will start with a clean slate.

“I think everyone responds differently to different managers and different voices,” he said. “Maybe a different formation suits a certain player better. While I have done my research, and I have watched quite a lot of games, there is still part of me not drawing a line and saying ‘I’m not working with him’.

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“Let’s give them a little bit of an opportunity. All I would say, from the research I have done with Chris, if we very quickly see a very similar trend happening which we don’t like – that player will either move on or have to try and attempt to change very quickly to improve and ensure that he can be part of our plans going forwards.”