JIM Magilton has helped pal Iain Dowie through a traumatic year.But when they lock horns for the first time as opposing football managers on Saturday he does not intend to do his mate any favours.

By Elvin King

JIM Magilton has helped pal Iain Dowie through a traumatic year.

But when they lock horns for the first time as opposing football managers on Saturday he does not intend to do his mate any favours.

Ipswich Town boss Magilton used to room with Coventry City manager Dowie when they were team mates in the Northern Ireland side.

Their friendship broadened to such an extent that Magilton is godparent to Dowie's son William.

“Iain has had a traumatic year,” said Magilton today. “He lost an expensive court case involving his former club Crystal Palace and was then dismissed from Charlton Athletic.

“I like to think that I was there for him over the last 12 months or so.

“I know that he would be there for me if I was in a similar position.”

Dowie returned to Selhurst Park with Coventry last night where Palace chairman Simon Jordan was reported to have said that he was going to blank him.

But Dowie can expect a warmer reception for Saturday evening's televised Coca-Cola Championship game at Portman Road - until the match kicks-off at any rate.

“It looks as though Iain has found a home at Coventry,” added Magilton. “He has an infectious personality and his players look as though they are responding.

“He is a great bloke and I enjoy his company. We have a lot of memories from our time with Northern Ireland.”

Magilton is predicting a cracking game against the Sky Blues, whose good start to the season was brought to an abrupt end by Bristol City at the Ricoh Arena last Saturday.

“It should be a great game as Iain likes his sides to play attacking football,” said Magilton. “He would love to get one over me, but I have to make sure that he doesn't.”

Town have no injury problems with Fabian Wilnis available again after serving a three-game suspension for being shown a red card at Plymouth.