Supremo sees bright future

David Sheepshanks feels Ipswich have a live chance of securing promotion.

The Suffolk side have made an indifferent start to the new campaign, with a win, draw and loss from their opening three fixtures, but Sheepshanks feels Joe Royle has built a solid foundation for success at Portman Road.

"Watching young players like Shane Supple and Owen Garvan brings a glow to my cheeks and we have quality youngsters coming through," said Sheepshanks. "There is plenty to get excited about and lots of potential.

"I am cautiously optimistic. It's a case of so far, so good, although nothing is being taken for granted.

"There is plenty of pressure on us to keep performing and if we can win our home matches, and draw at places like Leicester, we will not go far wrong."

Town were beaten by QPR last week and Sheepshanks feels the defeat was down to defender Mark Fish not being at peak fitness.

Fish was hauled off at the interval, with Town trailing 2-0, and has since returned to Charlton to work on his fitness, before heading back to Portman Road to resume his loan spell.

"With a fully fit central defender at QPR I am sure we would have earned at least a point and would still be undefeated," the Town chairman added.