Football Season Review

It has certainly been a roller-coaster of a season for Ipswich Town boss Paul Jewell and his side. The Blues were hotly-tipped to be promotion dark horses after acquiring a number of experienced campaigners in the shape of Lee Bowyer, Jimmy Bullard and Ivar Ingimarsson to add to their existing squad. However, the balance of youth and experience was clearly lacking and it wasn't until the second half of the season that Jewell was able to address this. Despite a strong start to the season the Tractor Boys endured a seven-game losing run leading up to the Christmas period, which effectively ended their top six hopes. The recall of midfielders such as Andy Drury, Lee Martin and Luke Hyam to the squad revitalised the team to make a strong finish to the campaign, losing just four league games in 2012 as they eventually secured a safe mid-table position in 15th. Full backs, Aaron Cresswell and Carlos Edwards were ever-present in the starting line-up all season and the former richly deserved his player of the season award having taken to Championship football in his stride since joining from Tranmere Rovers last summer. Blues boss, Jewell knows he needs younger faces at the club and his summer recruitment drive is likely to reflect this in a bid to ensure the Suffolk side are pushing closer towards that top six.

Player of the Season: Aaron Cresswell