New Ipswich head coach Lee Parry wants to cause a few upsets next season as he prepares for the club’s first-ever season in London 1 North.

Parry’s men begin at Letchworth Garden City on September 6 before hosting North Walsham a week later.

A mouthwatering derby against Colchester comes next in Essex, on September 20, and represents a challenging start for the club.

“It’s a tough start but it will give us an indication of what we are going to be up against,” said Parry, 27.

“We have just beaten everybody comfortably in London 2 and this is a step into the unknown to be honest.

“Our start is against teams that will be expected to be challenging near the top and, having spoken to people I know at Eastern Counties, Colchester and Walsham both fancy their chances this year.

“I would love to cause an upset or two.”

After a season where Ipswich steamrollered almost every team into submission, they will enter the new season ready for a harder campaign.

“I’ve kept hold of the majority of players that won the most of our games by 40 points or more last season,” added Parry, a former Championship player with Coventry.

“One of the lessons to learn next season, will be how to cope with losing.

“We responded well last season. Having lost at Chelmsford, we responded by beating them 46-17 at our place.

“We are not going to be winning games by 50 points though and from a coaching perspective, how the players respond will be interesting.”

Meanwhile Parry has revealed why he took the coaching role.

“I had a few options but I chose to stay at a club that aspires to go further,” he said.

“There are plans in the pipeline, there is the potential to grow.”

Training is on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm, at Humber Doucy Lane. Official pre-season begins on July 1.