Ipswich Town midfielder Cole Skuse says it’s vital the club is promoted at the first time of asking.

East Anglian Daily Times: Cole Skuse came second in our fans' poll. Photo: Steve WallerCole Skuse came second in our fans' poll. Photo: Steve Waller (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

Following 17 straight years in the Championship, and 62 successive seasons playing in the top two tiers of English football, the Blues find themselves in League One following last year's relegation.

They can take inspiration from the way the likes of Norwich, Southampton and Wolves used dropping to this level as a springboard for success, but also must be wary of the how it took the likes of Sheffield United (6), Leeds (3) and Nottingham Forest (3) several years to go up and how Sunderland fell just short last season.

MORE: 'Big' clubs in League One: When patience was required was for Leeds, Forest and Sheffield United

With Paul Lambert's men top of the standings following a 10 game unbeaten start (W7 D3), Skuse was asked if he saw promotion as being 'a must' in an interview for the club programme.

"I do, yes," he replied. "You see what has happened to clubs who have not made a quick return. You don't want to get caught up in that cycle.

"We've made an encouraging start. The fact that we are at the top having not been at our best is a huge positive - but there is a long way to go yet."

MORE: 'Big' clubs in League One: How Leicester, Norwich, Southampton, Wolves and Blackburn quickly bounced back

Town head to third-place Fleetwood on Saturday.

East Anglian Daily Times: Cole Skuse recently made his 250th league appearance for Ipswich Town. Photo: Steve WallerCole Skuse recently made his 250th league appearance for Ipswich Town. Photo: Steve Waller (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

"The expectations are there and we have to deal with that because it's about getting promoted as soon as possible," said Skuse.

"We know we have not been bang at it for 90 minutes every game this season, but to spin that losing mentality on its head and have a winning start is credit to every player in the dressing room and the staff.

"If we had lost two or three games early on then there would have been a hangover feel from last year. We've not allowed that to happen though."

MORE: 'He's a little magician with the ball... he's that good' - Jackson hails Town team-mate Judge

East Anglian Daily Times: Alan Judge and Cole Skuse discuss options. Photo: Steve WallerAlan Judge and Cole Skuse discuss options. Photo: Steve Waller (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Reflecting on last year's relegation, summer appointment Paul Hurst sacked after just 15 games in charge, Skuse added: "It was embarassing, but the players have to take responsibility for what happened. Maybe we didn't get as much guidance as we would have liked at the start of last season, but players cross the white line and have to deliver.

"We are getting results this year that we wouldn't have got last year. We look more assured, more solid.

"I know it's a level down, that is a factor, but as a group, with the pre-season we have had this year, we have a better understanding of each other."