Boss Jim Magilton has denied the meeting between himself and selected members of his squad was secret and says it did not indicate that he was developing a hardcore on which the team will be based in future.

Magilton said: "The meeting was not a secret one and there are a lot of negative stories being written about us at the moment.

"I wanted to make some points about the desire and passion I would like to see at this club, something that can be lost when talking to a bigger group. The same discussions I have had with other players at other times.

"There is no way I have singled out any player or players and I believe in the team ethos with the only way to success being as team. I am adamant we will be successful and do that as a team.”

The Town manager admits that his position may not be entirely secure with the Blues currently in mid-table: "The owner has given me full support, but I don't know how secure Paul Ince and Danny Wilson felt this time last week.

"I don't know how secure I am. It is the nature of football management with so much emphasis put on immediate results.”

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls