New manager Paul Jewell says he’d like some of the younger members of his squad to go out on loan to gain experience in the lower leagues. The Blues boss is spending this week getting to know his players better in training at Playford Road.
Jewell said: "I think the best thing for young players is to go out and play real football somewhere rather than just play academy or reserve football.
"Again, it’s been such a whirlwind that I’ve got to take stock. I’m really pleased we’ve got a free week this week so we can have a right good week on the training ground, get to know the players a bit better and then make decisions as and when.”
Earlier in the season defender Jack Ainsley spent a brief spell with Histon in the Blue Square Bet Premier, while keeper Ian McLoughlin went to Ryman Premier League Lowestoft Town for a month. In November, midfielder or full-back Shane O'Connor turned down a loan switch to Hereford United.
Midfielders Reggie Lambe, Billy Clark, Conor Hourihane, David Cawley and Jamie Griffiths, defender Tom Eastman and striker Ronan Murray all might benefit from games in the lower leagues before the end of the season.
The new manager says he knew most of his squad before he moved to Portman Road, although hadn’t seen the Town side in action prior to taking the job: "The younger lads I’m not sure about. I know most of the players through the game, but I’ve not watched them as a team, only on DVD since I’ve got here.
"I want to have a relationship with the players, I want them to be able to be open and honest. I don’t to ostracise anybody, but everybody has to come in and do their jobs properly and if everyone does their jobs properly, we won’t have a problem.”
Jewell is impressed with the Playford Road Training Centre: "It’s terrific. There’s been an awful lot of money spent on the infrastructure, training facilities and everything like that. The players don’t want for anything as far as that’s concerned. Now the question is can we just add the final ingredient — which is the main thing — which is getting the team right.
"That will take time but almost everything else is in place. We’ve just got to get the team right. There’s a great feeling. I’ve only been here since [last] Sunday night, but people are so passionate about the team and the club. It’s great and they are desperate for success and hopefully over time we can deliver that.
"The Championship is such a tough league to get out of. There are an awful lot of big teams with nice training grounds in this league. I was at one in Derby County, they’ve a fantastic training ground but you’ve got to get things right on the pitch.”
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