Leadbitter Bowyer News Today

Boss Paul Jewell says his side have got to be mentally stronger if they are to compete at the top end of the table next season. The Town manager says that all too often – even before he took charge - the Blues have got themselves into good runs but have then failed to keep that form going.

Boss Paul Jewell felt fans shouldnt be too downcast after yesterday’s 2-1 home defeat to Leicester City, the Blues’ first home loss since January 2nd. The Town manager believes the club’s form since the turn of the year and climb away from the relegation zone is a sign that progress is being made.

Jason Scotland’s late deflected goal secured the Blues a deserved 1-1 draw at Southampton. The Saints went ahead in the 74th minute via top scorer Rickie Lambert but Scotland’s goal five minutes from the end claimed the point for Town.

Michael Chopra showed just why Paul Jewell brought him to Portman Road as he scored two goals to get the Blues’ two-game pre-season tour of Holland off to a winning start with a 2-0 victory at FC Eindhoven. The former Cardiff man came on as a half-time sub, scoring his first within three minutes and the second 13 minutes from the end.

Town boss Paul Jewell says he could make changes to his side for Wednesday’s home game against Burnley with “one or two” players having lost form or shown tiredness in the last couple of matches.