 | Royle has studied the First Division form |
Joe Royle is one manager who will delight in the adage that a football season is a marathon and not a sprint. Last season saw Royle attempt a sprint finish after taking over from George Burley, only to see Ipswich dip short with the line in sight.
But with a clean slate from which to start, the former Manchester City and Everton manager is confident of securing an automatic promotion place for Town.
"This year we start on a level playing field and I would be lying if I said I was not optimistic - or very optimistic - that we will be promoted," Royle told this website.
"On our day we are more than a match for anyone."
Royle's first objective last season was simply to avoid relegation to the Second Division with a side that, just 18 months earlier, had finished fifth in the Premiership.
With that objective realised, Royle then set his sights on a top-half finish and, finally, a play-off place.
"We fell just short last season but we still should have done it," Royle said.
|  There is no difference between the top of the First Division and the bottom eight in the Premiership |
"People say we were unlucky to just miss out but that doesn't cut with me. "It was because of our defensive frailties that we didn't make it and I have moved to do something about that by signing three defensive players to improve the side," said Royle, who has added George Santos from Grimsby and Drissa Diallo (Burnley) to his defence, as well as goalkeeper Kelvin Davis from Wimbledon.
With a wealth of attacking options still in place at Portman Road, Royle is convinced his side can challenge this term and sees relegated duo West Bromwich Albion and West Ham as the biggest dangers.
"We are not playing catch up this season, but our aim is still simply to win games," he went on.
"I wouldn't say the division is any stronger or weaker than last season.
"But I don't believe there is any difference between the top of the First Division and the bottom eight in the Premiership.
"Portsmouth were the runaway winners last year but they weren't head and shoulders above the rest of the division.
"Of the teams coming down from the Premiership, West Ham will be right there assuming they keep their squad largely intact.
| ROYLE'S TEAMS TO WATCH |
"They have lost a lot of players - and good players at that - but they still have plenty of talent.
"West Brom have lost a few too but have added a couple and if they instil some consistency they have a great chance of bouncing straight back.
"Of the teams that came down, they may have the best chance and I can see them becoming the kind of yo-yo club that we have seen in recent years.
"But it will be hard for Sunderland. They are losing their best players and it will be difficult for Mick McCarthy to stop the rot."
As for the other threats to Ipswich this season, Royle believes Reading and Sheffield United will repeat their fine form of last term and singles out Millwall as his promotion dark horse.
"Reading surprised everyone last year and they proved their form was no fluke and that they were up there on merit.
"They are a very good footballing side and I think they will be strong again and in contention.
"We play them on the opening day of the season, which is a tough start but that is fine by us.
"We have a chance to put our marker down for the season and they have the chance to prove once again that last season was no fluke.
"Sheffield United had a fantastic season last year and it may be hard for them to maintain that.
"But if they get going quickly then they will of course be a major threat.
"I wouldn't be surprised to see Millwall do well next season.
"The New Den is still as hard a place to go as the old one and they have talented young players.
"With Steven Reid going, it will make things a little harder but they still have good players and they will be a real threat."
MMIX
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