Following another mid-table finish in League One last season, Ipswich Town fans are hoping that the upcoming 2022-23 campaign is finally the one where they break through and get back to the Championship after a few years of suffering.

It was in 2019 when the Tractor Boys suffered relegation to the third tier after 17 straight seasons in the same division, and they've so far found it difficult to launch a promotion push.

Paul Lambert couldn't resurrect Town, and neither could Paul Cook following his full-scale rebuild last summer - now the onus is on former Manchester United coach Kieran McKenna to get the job done.

So far this summer, McKenna has added four players to his squad, with strikers Freddie Ladapo and Tyreece John-Jules being joined by versatile midfielder Dominic Ball and left wing-back Greg Leigh.

There's still more needed for Ipswich though, and the Northern Irish boss could look towards free agency - just like he has done with all-but John-Jules' arrival - to fill his squad out.

Let's take a look at EIGHT individuals that McKenna should seriously consider in the coming weeks.

There are a couple of areas of the pitch that Ipswich could do with addressing - one of them is adding another centre-back to their current crop.

He hasn't featured much at all over the last two seasons, but when he's fit, there's no doubting that Mawson is a very good defender.

Mawson once changed hands for £20 million but now it's a different story, having become a free agent as Fulham decided to let him go.

Even though he could probably get a Championship club, a top-end, ambitious League One side like Ipswich should be eyeing up the 28-year-old, even though his fitness leaves a lot to be desired.

Like Mawson, it is a similar story for Hector, who is another player consigned to the scrap-heap by the Cottagers and who has seen little of a football pitch in the last couple of years.

The Jamaica international featured just four times in the Championship for Fulham last season, and in the campaign before that he did not muster up a single Premier League appearance, meaning his match fitness will probably be non-existent.

If he can sharpen up though, then Hector can be an asset for any promotion-chasing League One side - Ipswich included.

As well as a central defender, Ipswich could also use another deep-lying midfielder who can split the lines and create chances.

And a man who needs no introduction to the Tractor Boys faithful is Ward, who spent three years at Portman Road between 2016 and 2019.

Some say 'never go back', but there would be no harm in trying to strike a deal for Ward following his Blackpool departure.

He scored eight league goals during his first stint, and he would add a creative threat in a double pivot were he to be signed.

Another player who could do a job in that role is Bacuna, who has tons of experience at both Premier League level but mainly in the Championship.

The Curacao international midfielder was a regular in Cardiff's starting 11 for two whole seasons before Steve Morison made him a bit-part player in 2021-22, but you get the feeling that he could still fit into a Championship side.

Ipswich though want to be at that level, and could use someone with the experience of Bacuna to help them to promotion and bolster that engine room in the process.

Considering he's just left Derby County, who have just been relegated to League One, then perhaps a move for Morrison would be an ambitious one.

However, the ex-Manchester United man proved at the Rams that he can be effective when he gets his head down and focuses on his football, and he could potentially be Ipswich's Bersant Celina replacement.

You get the feeling that Morrison is looking for a Championship club, but if that doesn't materialise, then Ipswich are in as good a position as anyone to make a play for his services.

Even though Ladapo and John-Jules have arrived this summer, you get the feeling that McKenna may need one more body at the top end of the pitch.

One player who proved last season that he has a lot to offer, especially at League One level, is Berahino, who perhaps surprisingly was let go by Sheffield Wednesday despite netting eight times last season.

The Burundi international got his head down under Darren Moore and contributed with both goals and assists, but is now looking for a new club - he's still only 28 years of age and he could be a player who unlocks defences for Town.

Having spent time at Burton Albion last season, Niasse is clearly receptive to the idea of playing in League One.

It wasn't that long ago when the Senegalese striker was moving to Everton for £13.5 million, but he's had to lower his sights massively in order to get playing time.

The 32-year-old scored three times in 12 appearances for Burton last season, so he could be someone who is useful to the Tractor Boys this season - he's already seen a trial period to Portsmouth fall through this summer, though.

Even though he is now 33 years age, for the most part of his career Sinclair hasn't had any trouble finding the back of the net.

He had a torrid time in his final season with Preston North End though, barely featuring in 2021-22 as he went the whole campaign without finding the back of the net.

Sinclair has the experience though to make a difference in crucial moments, and that could be something needed at Ipswich next season with none of their current strikers having that experience of being a top-level forward during their careers.