Ipswich

Since the announcement of Joe Royle's departure on 11th May 2006, there was a month of what seemed like a struggle to attract an experienced new manager.

David Sheepshanks unveils his new man

Finally, chairman David Sheepshanks announced that Jim Magilton will become the new First Team Manager with Bryan Klug moving from Academy Director to First Team Coach.  Sheepshanks says the board's decision was unanimous "Jim did excellently at the job interviews and blew our socks off.  If you cut both of these guys they bleed blue and white.  Jim has the passion, will to win and leadership that we hope can get us back in the top flight."

Magilton

Jim Magilton finished his Ipswich playing career at the end of last season with the intention of moving to the north west.  He says he's very comfortable about making the step-up from captain to boss "I have no problems stepping over that line.  If there are any problems with players I will deal with them.  I've always had good lines of communication.  People will know exactly where they stand."

37 year old Magilton has always been a popular player since joining in 1999 for £680,000 after a 2-month loan spell from Sheffield Wednesday.  He's noticeably vocal on the pitch and contributed a vital hat-trick against Bolton which got Ipswich into the play-off final in 2000. 

David Sheepshanks with Jason de Vos

He was given a standing ovation when he was substituted in his final home game "That was quite something. It will live with me for the rest of my days regardless of what happens in the future.   I'm going to rely on supporters as manager and I want this place bouncing."

Canadian defender Jason de Vos will be Magilton's new captain "I don't want to hand over the captain's armband! Appointing any manager's a gamble.  I think I provide a sensible gamble.  I know all the players.  I know who to take the whip to and who to cajole.  I'm going to hit the ground running and get my teeth into it."

"Adrian Boothroyd at Watford has shown what can be done.  At the very least we should be challenging for play-off places.  We need to turn Portman Road into a more intimidating place.  We need to get results because it's my job on the line!"

However, as a manager he'll have to try not to describe opponents as "a pub team" before losing to them as happened when he was playing for Northern Ireland against Iceland!

Magilton is studying for his UEFA A coaching badge which is a requirement for Premier League managers.

Give Us A Klug

45 year old Bryan Klug has been the highly-regarded director of the Ipswich Town youth Academy which has produced a stream of youngsters who've graduated to the first team or been sold on to bigger clubs. 

Bent, Wright, Bramble, Dyer, Scowcroft, Westlake, Naylor .... the list goes on.  Tony Hume will become the new Academy Director, with Bryan having an overview role.

Klug signed for Ipswich Town as an apprentice in 1977 but he never played for the first team.  After spells with Peterborough and Chesterfield he came back to Ipswich in 1984 and became a youth team coach in 1988.  He's been director of the Academy since it was set-up in 1998.

EGM

Magilton's appointment was announced ahead of a vote on a new share issue at an extraordinary general meeting at Portman Road.  

Existing shareholders and club members would be allowed to buy the new stock.  The total value of the issue would be a maximum of £1.7m.

Messageboard

Jim Magilton, Bryan Klug and David Sheepshanks took questions live on BBC Radio Suffolk in the Matchday Preview on Friday 9th June 2006.  Listen to the answers by clicking on the links above or on the right>>

You can discuss Ipswich Town on the BBC Suffolk Message Board>>