THANKS to Marcus Evans' investment into Ipswich Town, the Blues are in a position to expand their scouting network - and bring in more foreign players.

Elvin King

THANKS to Marcus Evans' investment into Ipswich Town, the Blues are in a position to expand their scouting network - and bring in more foreign players.

Foreigners could offer more value for money and strengthen manager Jim Magilton's squad.

Meetings took place this week with chairman David Sheepshanks, Magilton, first team coach Bryan Klug and chief scout Steve McCall to review Town's approach to scouting.

“There are a lot of good players out there who we do not know enough about,” said Sheepshanks.

“With the funds we now have available to put towards the playing side we can improve our intelligence on the continent.

“We're very fortunate to have chief scout Steve McCall, who is supported by Charlie Woods, a person who brings an added dimension.

“At the moment we have a good network of scouts domestically and a good number of excellent contacts abroad, but that all needs to be pulled together in a proper strategic plan.”

More signings like Macedonian international Verlice Sumulikoski from Turkish club Bursaspor could follow for the Blues

Sheepshanks believes that with money in the bank ready for transfers then a bigger scouting department is needed to ensure the club does not miss out on any bargains.

“If you don't have very much money to spend then you don't need a very big scouting department,” he said. “When you have got some funds available to invest you must ensure your intelligence is at a required level throughout the market place.

“We used to be very well covered with European scouts like Simon Hunt and Romeo Zondervan but when we were relegated we had to part company with them and draw our horns in.

“Now Marcus Evans is supportive of an increased investment in football and that includes recruitment and development.

“There's an awful lot of work to be done both here and abroad. The ability for the club to invest in strengthening the side means we are going to have to have a much heavier accent on our scouting in Europe.”