Jim: 'We need fans in the building'

By Elvin King

IPSWICH Town manager Jim Magilton today stressed: “We need our supporters in the building.”

The Blues boss is concerned that a drop in season tickets sales will result in a half full Portman Road next season.

He realises that what happens in the final nine games - starting with today's trip to Luton Town - will play a big part in fans deciding whether to renew their seats for 2007/08.

“Over the next few games we have got to give our fans a reason to dip their hands in their pockets,” said Magilton.

“We don't want to play in front of half full stands.

“We need our supporters in the building.

“Players perform much better in front of a full house - and it is my responsibility to ensure that they do.

“We must give them evidence on the field of the optimism that we at the club all feel for the future.”

Despite just two wins in the last nine games, Magilton is adamant that he is moving the club in the right direction.

“We are all in this together and it is the fans' club as much as anyone who works for Ipswich Town,” said Magilton, who has the wholehearted support of his playing squad.

“Our supporters have been magnificent this campaign and they do make a terrific difference to us.

“I am absolutely positive that we are moving in the right direction but a certain amount of patience may still be needed.

“We were praised by Preston manager Paul Simpson and his coaching staff after our 1-0 defeat on Tuesday - but this is all hollow to us and I bet they were doing high fives in their dressing room.

“It would be nice to play scrappy and snatch three points instead of playing well and getting nothing.

“I admit some displays have not been good enough, and now is the time to put this right. We want our stadium rocking again.”

Magilton says that the two-week break caused by the Euro 2008 qualifiers will be used to enable his players to rest and relax and be ready for the final eight games.