“A FEAR of failure pushes me on,” says Ipswich Town manager Jim Magilton.He was picked to succeed Joe Royle in the hotseat at Portman Road, and he appreciates the wonderful opportunity he has been given.

By Elvin King

“A FEAR of failure pushes me on,” says Ipswich Town manager Jim Magilton.

He was picked to succeed Joe Royle in the hotseat at Portman Road, and he appreciates the wonderful opportunity he has been given.

A player with the Blues for many years, Magilton has kept the support of fans who adored him when he was skipper and pulling the strings in midfield.

When he decided to hang up his boots last May, the thought that he would be taking over the Ipswich manager's office inside a few short weeks was furthest from his mind.

However, he proved his worth at his interviews and was the unanimous choice of the chairman and the board.

“It was a major decision by them to take me on,” said Magilton.

“They believed I can do it. I know I can do it.

“I could have left the building and come back in a few years' time having served a managerial apprenticeship.

“But I am here from the start - and hopefully to the end of what I plan to be a long managerial career.

“There is no doubt that I am a better manager than I was eight months ago. I have learned so much.

“It has been just as demanding and time-consuming as I expected and there are not enough hours in the day.

“There have been a number of highs and a few depressing lows, but I have now learnt the key is to stay on an even keel.”

And looking round the building, Magilton has no doubts that others who do not always enjoy the same affection from supporters as he does are pressing the right buttons.

The manager said: “Everybody here is desperate for success.

“The decision makers are meticulous and bright and we are pulling in the same direction.”