Ipswich Town manager Paul Jewell
Marcus Evans returning from the Bahamas to sort out Ipswich Town contracts and budgets
By Stuart Watson
Friday, April 13, 2012
8:00 AM
IPSWICH Town manager Paul Jewell will be told what his summer transfer budget is by owner Marcus Evans next Tuesday – and he is not expecting millions.
Attendances have steadily dropped at Portman Road since the 2004/5 season amid a national economic downturn, Championship clubs are set to receive significantly less television revenue next season, while the Football League is introducing new Financial Fair Play rules which will limit expenditure.
Blues chief executive Simon Clegg has already revealed that the club will be looking to reduce the players’ wage bill, with Jewell now admitting that he is planning to ‘wheel and deal’ this summer.
“Marcus has been in the Bahamas and he unfortunately he didn’t offer to fly me over there!” revealed the Blues boss.
“I’m seeing him on Tuesday to go through the transfer budget, contracts – everything.
“There won’t be lots of money for me to spend. Like a lot of managers I’ll have to wheel and deal because clubs can’t afford to pay their players what they used to. Instead of throwing money at it next year, we’ll need a system we can believe in and stick to.”
With Grant Leadbitter, Tommy Smith, Jason Scotland, Lee Bowyer and Ibrahima Sonko among those nearing the end of their deals, Jewell said: “Marcus has made a couple of offers to agents while he’s been away.
“There’s been a lot of talking from us and the players, but we need to sort it out in the next week, 10 days, fortnight.
“Marcus has spoken with Tommy Smith’s agent and is seeing Jason Scotland on Tuesday.
“I’m trying to leave all the financial stuff to others. This time next week I might be able to tell you ‘yes’ or ‘no’ about various people.”
– See today’s EADT and Ipswich Star for all the latest Blues news.
More Ipswich Town news
- Ipswich Town renew their interest in keeper Lee Camp
- Alan Judge set to sign for Blackburn
- Ipswich Town chief scout Dave Bowman talks budgets and blueprints ahead of what could be a busy transfer window
- Marcus Evans’ salary cap plans scuppered as the Premier League once again flexes its muscles
- Ipswich Town’s pursuit of Jay Tabb hits snag as Skuse signs
- U’s to take on Town in friendly
- Cole Skuse agrees three-year deal at Ipswich Town
- Ipswich Town fans are ready to ride the rollercoaster again
- IPSWICH TOWN: Blackpool example is a good one to follow
- Could performance-related pay at Ipswich Town be the future?
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6 comments
So, this leads to three questions. 1...Why leave it until now? 2..Why have a CEO if ME is now doing this himself (does this mean that Clegg will be gone post Olympics, as I have said all along) 3...What input does Jewell have (if any) on the playing staff at the club, the renewal of their contracts, and on the identification and securing of recruits. Finally, Tom, a question for you. How does this fit in with your theory of Evans 'investing' millions? Exactly. It doesn't, does it
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Kevin Bailey
Friday, April 13, 2012
Come on smokie - be fair - haven't you seen the turnstiles ????? Enough to make anyone renew their season ticket
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Old Timer
Friday, April 13, 2012
So what exactly does calamity Clegg do?
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smokie
Friday, April 13, 2012
Are you sure he isn't in the far east on business? That North Korean rocket performed as though the invisible man might have been involved.
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Rob Steroo
Friday, April 13, 2012
So with ME now involved in the contracts, does that mean he has 'seen the light' concerning his CEO's pathetic performances with contracts? In another breath PJ says CEO Clegg is handling the contracts and wages. Does anyone know what is really going on at Portman Road? That leaves the question of how much influence PJ has in signing and selling players. Looks like another 'Steptoe' summer of loans and promises.
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Brian Betts
Friday, April 13, 2012
So the drop in attendances is now down to the economic downturn and seemingly nothing to do with the product being presented to the public. If it would mean terminating Jewells dire reign then I would willingly loan Mr Evans a few bob - and not even charge 8% interest. Now theres a thought.
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SussexTractorBoy
Friday, April 13, 2012