Skipper Jim Magilton says he is still considering whether to stay with the Blues for another year. The former Northern Irish international is out of contract at the end of the month and has been offered a new one-year deal with Town.

Magilton told the club site that Town's failure to win promotion is still haunting him: "I've been away for a week or so and will now sit down with family and the people I trust and look at what lies ahead for me.

"It's taken me a while to get the disappointment of the play-offs out of my system, to be honest, it's still there.

"But I know I have a big decision to make and it will be occupying my mind now, and at the moment I have no idea what way it will go.

"I love this club and have had so many happy years here. The fans are terrific and have given the players so much support and, as I've said before many times, I've spent the best time of my career here. But I have other factors that I have to consider now about my football and my life."

Magilton has made no secret of his desire to become a manager and also plans to relocate to his wife's native area of Liverpool when his playing days are over.

However, the midfielder, now 36, says he is not yet ready to hang up his boots: "I still feel I have plenty to offer on the pitch and will carry on playing as long as I can have an impact on what goes on out on that field."

The ex-Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday player wishes Darren Bent and Kelvin Davis the best of luck as they prepare for life in the top flight with Charlton and Sunderland respectively: "They're both great lads and I wish them well in the Premiership.

"They will be playing in a fantastic league and facing a new challenge and I'm sure they will be up for it, although obviously everyone connected with Ipswich is sorry to see them go."

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