Ipswich Town are in dire straights at the bottom of the Championship and they're going to need a herculean effort to pull them away from trouble in 2019.

The Paul Hurst experiment didn't work and his transfer policy has left the side littered with honest professionals who simply aren't up to Championship standard.

Whilst one or two players of that ilk might be acceptable, Hurst's transfer policy saw Janoi Donacien, Gwion Edwards, Jon Nolan, Kayden Jackson and Toto Nsiala all arrived from the lower divisions.

Now, Paul Lambert is fighting hard to survive a second relegation in as many seasons. Fresh from being asked to help Stoke avoid the drop last season, and failing, he's got the same task on his hands at Portman Road.

His career depends on it, Ipswich's hopes depend on him.

They've been linked with a move for Middlesbrough striker Rudy Gestede, an experienced 30-year old striker with plenty of Championship games behind him. He's out of favour at the Riverside, but could do a good job at Ipswich Town.

Here's three reasons why we think this would be a great move all round, and why Ipswich fans should be optimistic about it....

Gestede is a big player, strong and robust and if the ball goes quickly into him he'll hold it up and alleviate pressure on the back four.

Ipswich have been conceding a lot of goals, but having an out ball they can rely on would be helpful.

He's been around long enough to understand what is required at this level and that could help players such as Kayden Jackson still finding their feat in the Championship.

He'll lead by example and not shirk the hard work and that will give the younger players something to learn from.

His goals record hasn't been great, but many of his outings for Boro have come from the bench.

He scored plenty for Blackburn and a run in the first team might just spark him back to life.

Even if he weighed in with eight or nine in the second half of the season, it could be hugely important.