FORMER Ipswich Town player and coach Tony Mowbray today praised Blues chairman David Sheepshanks for appointing Jim Magilton as manager at Portman Road.

By Elvin King

FORMER Ipswich Town player and coach Tony Mowbray today praised Blues chairman David Sheepshanks for appointing Jim Magilton as manager at Portman Road.

Mowbray, who was with Ipswich for nine years and was caretaker manager briefly after George Burley departed in the autumn of 2002, is now boss of a West Brom team that entertained Town in the Coca-Cola Championship this afternoon.

“I'm sure Jim will go a long way and enjoy a successful career,” said Mowbray.

“I would imagine that when David Sheepshanks interviews and employs people he's aware of the philosophies and ideals of the football club, and what the support base expects.

“I think with Jim Magilton, being a player of the ilk he was who only ever wanted to play pass and move, the chairman knew the football team would be bred in that image.

“I know Jim will put those sorts of demands on his players.

“He is a great football man who loves the game with a passion. He could keep you there for hours just talking football.

“It seeps out of him, he loves it and can't get enough of it.

“I love talking to him because you can hear the passion in his voice when he's talking football.

“I enjoy watching his team. I've watched a few tapes of them this week and I've enjoyed watching the way they play.

“Jim's a good guy and Ipswich is a good club. We wish them well after the weekend.”

Magilton proved a big hit on the golf course with the longest drive in the Ipswich Town FC corporate day at Stoke-by-Nayland on Wednesday.

Magilton struck his golf shot an impressive 327 yards in a competition that attracted 28 teams and was won by BetFair Mugs with 92 points.

Alex Bruce was in the Eastern Recycling team that finished third, while the majority of the first team squad played or put in an appearance.

Skipper Jason De Vos is convinced Ipswich will enjoy a better season than 2006/07 - Magilton's first in charge.

The central defender said: “We are a better side, better organised and more aware defensively. And we have more goals in us.

“The manager has made some good additions to the squad, which has made us into a better side.

“We have got to impose ourselves more and pick up more points on our travels. I am sure this will happen.

“There are no easy games in this division with the prize on offer so massive.

“In fact, it can be so great that reaching the Premier League or not can be make or break for some clubs.”

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