IPSWICH Town manager Jim Magilton is in for the long haul at Portman Road.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town manager Jim Magilton is in for the long haul at Portman Road.

The Blues boss is being tipped to hold down the manager's hot seat regardless of whether the Tractor Boys motor into the Premier League this season or not.

This is the message that is coming out loud and clear from the corridors of power at Portman Road.

An increasing number of fans are becoming frustrated with Magilton's failure to lift his team into the top six of the table despite having the Marcus Evans millions at his disposal.

They query the wisdom of his buys and the effectiveness of his coaching and tactical skills.

But within the club there is no feeling of concern - although a move up the table would be welcomed.

Evans is now becoming known to more and more people connected with the club, and the feedback is all positive.

One insider said: “He is coming across as a caring man and one who has taken onboard the traditional ways of this special football club.

“He gets on well with the manager and is putting no pressure on him.

“There is no sign that a knee-jerk reaction to make any changes to the managerial situation is even being considered.

“Of course, all managers live or die on results and no manager is immune from that.

“But if those outside the club think the manager is under any pressure from inside they are mistaken.

“He is a better manager than he was when he first took over from Joe Royle, and there is every confidence that the changes in playing staff he has made will bring improved results as we go through this season.”

There is no agenda to bring in a fresh face to lead Ipswich into the Premier League if they fail to go up this term.

Magilton is being backed by those above him, those working with him and those under him.

He has the respect of Evans; with the improved away displays being noted.

Victory against Charlton last Saturday would have put Town in fifth place, and two wins when the season starts up again after the current international break will cure the current frustrations being shown by supporters.

But even if it takes longer to get Ipswich Town back among the elite, Magilton is set to receive the continued backing of the club's influential owner.