Wright predicts a ding-dong (From Gazette)

Wright predicts a ding-dong

10:28am Wednesday 17th June 2009

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David Wright is predicting a ‘ding-dong battle’ in the quest for promotion next season.

The Ipswich Town defender (pictured) knows his side will be hotly-tipped for a return to the Barclays Premier League, given their vast spending power and the fact they have a superstar manager in Roy Keane.

But the defender believes as many as ten sides will slug it out for the top two automatic promotion spots in an incredibly tight Coca-Cola Championship.

“When you consider the three teams that came down last year – Newcastle, Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion – it shows how strong the Premier League is,” Wright told the Gazette.

“And that means it’s going to be a very tight, competitive Championship.

“We’ll fancy our chances but so too will the likes of Reading, Cardiff and Sheffield United.

“I honestly believe that as many as ten sides will be going for those top two places and it’s going to be a real ding-dong battle.”

Wright is already looking forward to matches against Queens Park Rangers, too, and going head-to-head with former Town boss Jim Magilton.

The Northern Irishman was sacked as Portman Road manager in April but Wright said: “He brought me to this club and believed in me, so I feel very loyal to him.

“The criticism he received last year was out of order but I’m pleased he’s sorted himself out and is back at another decent club.”

Meanwhile, Town have been drawn away to Shrewsbury in the first round of the Carling Cup, to be played at the Prostar Stadium on Tuesday, August 10.

Wright only remembers facing the Shrews once before and that was when they beat his Crewe side 4-2 in the Football League Trophy in 2003.

“It’s going to be a tough game,” he said.

“People will look at the tie and expect us to go through easily.

“But it won’t be that simple and we’ve got to be mentally strong and make sure we dominate.”

Town have confirmed details of a mini pre-season tour of Ireland.

Keane’s men – who return for training on July 2 – will visit Waterford on Friday, July 17 (kick-off 8pm) and then Cork City on Sunday, July 19 (4pm).

The latter is bound to create big interest as the Ipswich boss was born and bred in Cork.

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