Magilton Exit for Runner Roy

Thu, April 23 2009

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Jim Magilton has been sacked as manager of Ipswich Town having failed to bring them to a play-off position.

This is despite the Tractor Boys beating local rivals Norwich City 3-2 at the weekend. The former Northern Ireland captain was handed a £12million kitty by new owner Marcus Evans when he took the reigns over a year ago, but despite some decent signings Magilton has not been able to lead Ipswich to a play-off position.

Magilton's right hand man John Gorman will also leave the club. Roy Keane has signed a two year contract at Ipswich, no doubt full of all the promise he will have brought with him to Sunderland. However, ask any Makem and the question of stickability is yet again associated with the ex-Republic captain. Keane has not exactly proved himself when the going gets tough. We all remember the debacle in Japan and again at Sunderland.

Keane however has many plaudits who admire him for standing up for what he believes in, but many will be concerned that he will not stick around to complete the job should he not get his way. He did have a successful spell at Sunderland prizing them out of the hole they were in at the foot of the Coca Cola Championships and leading them to the Premiership. However when Ellis Short took control of the club that was it.

There are only two games left for Ipswich to play this season so it will be interesting to see who Keane lets go and brings in over the summer. As we all know it was Keane who had faith bringing David Healy to Sunderland but with many on Wearside completely unconvinced of his capabilities as a Premiership player it could be worth watching this space.

Meanwhile Burnley are looking good as Martin Paterson put Owen Coyle's side a step closer with a 1-0 win at Turf Moor on Monday against play-off rivals Sheffield United. This brings Pato to 18 goals this season, so Northern Ireland supporters will have all eyes on the Clarets over the next few weeks.

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