'Project stay in the league' - Skuse

Former Ipswich midfielder Cole Skuse thinks the signing of durable players will be key for "project stay in the league" as the Tractor Boys gear up for the Premier League kick-off. Gary O'Neil's side have completed the signing of 12 players so far this summer, spending a net total of £150m. Skuse feels O'Neil "had to be active" in the window and the club had to invest in order to avoid relegation. He told BBC Radio Suffolk: "You have to bring in Premier League experience - Premier League durability, which I think the signings they have made have been that. "Issa Diop, some people may be underwhelmed, but look at his experience in the Premier League. The amount of games he has played with no injuries, and he has had no relegations." When Ipswich were promoted back to the top flight at the end of the 2023-24 season, Kieran McKenna had helped create the masterplan of escaping the Championship. However, Town's 22-year wait for Premier League football ultimately ended with a swift return back to the second tier. Now, it's Gary O'Neil's turn, and he will be hoping his Premier League managerial experience with Wolves and Bournemouth will serve him well. Skuse added: "They have brought in players who are durable and who can play games, and they can keep continuity in the group. I think the signings have been really good. "Having watched a couple of games in pre-season, what they're trying to achieve is that intensity and that stability and also the resilience to be hard to break down." Ipswich and O'Neil's first test will be away at Sunderland as they visit the north east on the opening weekend of the Premier League season. Listen above or here on BBC Sounds