Jewell has replaced Roy Keane as Ipswich boss

Ipswich Town owner Marcus Evans has told new boss Paul Jewell his first aim is to secure Championship survival.

And Evans insists Jewell will be given funds to help bolster his squad in the January transfer window.

Speaking in the Ipswich match programme ahead of Wednesday's Carling Cup clash with Arsenal, the media-shy businessman laid out his hopes for the season.

"To stabilise the squad and take us away from the relegation places is the first target," he said.

"And yes he [Jewell] will be backed in this and other transfer windows as I have done with the past two managers."

I am totally committed to the club and will be so whatever league we are in Ipswich Town owner Marcus Evans

Town are currently 19th in the Championship table after a run of seven defeats in nine league games, a sequence that has left Ipswich three points from the drop zone and cost previous boss Roy Keane his job.

Evans has moved to ease supporters' fears he would not walk out on Ipswich should the club fail to retain their place in the second tier.

"I am totally committed to the club and will be so whatever league we are in," he said.

"Relegation is heart wrenching for any club and no club wants to go through it and I fully believe we have the resources and the team to ensure a successful second half of the season."

Meanwhile veteran full-back Mark Kennedy admits Jewell will face a difficult challenge turning around results at Portman Road.

"It's a very tough job, no doubt about it, I'm sure he's aware of that," he said.

"He's been around football for a very long time and has a very good reputation. I'm sure he's his own man and he'll be different and will have his own methods.

"But any job in football at the moment appears to be difficult."

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