JIM Magilton looked at today's Portman Road opposition West Brom and had this message to Ipswich Town fan - This is where we want to be in the next 12 months.

By Elvin King

JIM Magilton looked at today's Portman Road opposition West Brom and had this message to Ipswich Town fan - This is where we want to be in the next 12 months.

The Blues boss can now start improving his squad thanks to the takeover of the club by wealthy entrepreneur Marcus Evans.

And it will put him on a par with Albion manager Tony Mowbray, who has the millions from the Premier League parachute payments to bolster his playing strength.

“We know we are in for a tough game today,” added Magilton. “They will have 11 players on the field who can hurt us.

“This is against the three or four we have who can do damage to them.

“Within the next 12 months we want to be in their position.”

With the transfer window opening today, Magilton has confirmed that he has already put in an offer for a player and if things moved quickly enough he could be included in today's squad.

“I have also made one firm inquiry,” said Magilton, who refuted reports that he was interested in Barnsley's left-side player Dominik Werling.

Magilton sees the Evans' millions as a key to strengthening his squad, and with £12million invested in club funds since the takeover the money is there to help the Blues boss not only maintain his impressive home record but also improve the sad tally of just four away points out of 39 this term.

Over the next 31 days Magilton will no doubt be beavering away not only looking to bring in two or three notable names - on full transfers or loans - but also perhaps parting company with what is already a sizeable squad.

Magilton will be waiting for fitness checks this morning before finalising his team for today's contest (kick-off 3pm) against current Coca-Cola Championship leaders West Brom.

Skipper Jason De Vos and striker Alan Lee are doubts with De Vos struggling with bruised ribs that are being x-rayed. He also has a bruised ankle while Lee is suffering from Achilles tendon pains.

Alex Bruce (groin) and Sito Castro (concussion) both trained yesterday. Bruce is not in today's squad but Sito could play in the back four, while Sylvain Legwinski (training again after an ankle knock), Gavin Williams and Liam Trotter are in line to take the place of the suspended Tommy Miller.

Matt Richards could again feature on the bench before going out on loan again this month, but George O'Callaghan has failed to overcome an abdominal strain after his return from Brighton.

Seventeen-year-old Jordan Rhodes is in line to start if nine-goal Lee is unfit.