IPSWICH today appointed Jim Magilton as their new manager to launch what chairman David Sheepshanks described as “a bright new era for the club”.

IPSWICH today appointed Jim Magilton as their new manager to launch what chairman David Sheepshanks described as “a bright new era for the club”.

The 37-year-old former Town skipper, who said an emotional farewell as a player in April, is back quicker than expected as Joe Royle's successor.

Magilton has signed a two-year contract, as has Bryan Klug who steps up from his post as Academy Manager to become first team coach.

Another former Town player, Tony Humes succeeds Klug in the key academy role after returning to Portman Road five years ago from Wrexham where he held the same post.

A suntanned Magilton - he interrupted a family holiday in Spain to attend today's press conference - revealed he had told chairman Sheepshanks of his interest in the job soon after Joe Royle left on May 11.