Ipswich Town

Manager: George Burley

Manager: George Burley

Their stunning performance in the league was a delight to those who still cling to the idea that some measure of success is achievable without the free and easy use of a fun-sized chequebook.

Still, they will no longer be surprise packages to any of the other Premiership clubs and the summer has marked the departure of two of their better players, Wright and Scowcroft, both of whom look certain to be missed.

Finidi George is a fine addition, but with the rigours of the Europe to be faced up to, Burley could probably have done with adding another couple of quality players. He may still end up spending the summer transfer surplus, but if not then it is hard to see how they will not slip back a little at least.

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In: Matteo Sereni (Sampdoria, £4.5 million), Finidi George (Real Mallorca, £3.5m), Pablo Counago (Celta Vigo, free); Andy Marshall (Norwich City, free); Chris Hogg (York, £150,000); Tommy Miller (Hartlepool, £750,000). Total £4.4m.

Out: Richard Wright (Arsenal, £6m), Jamie Scowcroft (Leicester, £3m), Sean Friars (released), Stephen Moffat (released), John Scales (released). Total £9m. Net income: £4.6m.

Rep of Ireland players: Keith Branagan, Matt Holland.

Last year: Prem: 5th, FAC: 4th. This year: 10th.

Official website: www.itfc.co.uk/index.stm

Betting: 100-1.