'Fortress Portman Road is going to be key'

[Getty Images] Ipswich Town chief executive and chairman Mark Ashton has praised new head coach Gary O'Neil's impact at the club since his appointment in June. Speaking to BBC Radio Suffolk's Brenner Woolley, Ashton said: "We have still got work to do, but I certainly think he is fitting in well. "His work-ethic, his morale and the way he interacts with people is first class." It has been a busy summer at Portman Road as the chief executive has orchestrated player recruitment, stadium developments and a new training ground. From safe standing, an extension to fan facilities and improvements made to accessibility improvements, the Tractor Boys have made changes aimed at making Portman Road a "fortress". "The team was really good, but the fans were outstanding [last season]," added Ashton. "We have got a group of new players who have never experienced what Portman Road can do. Fortress Portman Road is going to be key." As well as the £150m Ipswich have spent on new players, the club has invested £30m into training ground developments, which Ashton says was inspired by former Town boss Sir Bobby Robson's advice when he was Newcastle manager. "He was saying: 'Mark, look, the training ground has to be elite. It has to be a place of work. Don't build a spa facility. Don't build a leisure centre. Build something which is functional and elite.' "Those words have stayed with me - 20-25 years on I have had the opportunity to deliver what he told me about at his football club." Although it has been a busy summer transfer window, Ashton confirmed Ipswich "are not done" as they look to sign more players before the deadline on 1 September.