Jim Set to Quit
Sunday, 26th Jun 2005 23:56

TWTD understands that skipper Jim Magilton has decided not to sign his new one-year deal with the Blues. Magilton's current contract is up on June 30th and he has been considering whether to remain with Town since the end of last season.

The 36-year-old is known to want to start a career in coaching and is keen to move his family back to the North-West where he started his playing days with Liverpool and met his wife.

Magilton said last week that it had taken him a while to get over the disappointment of the play-off defeat to West Ham and was carefully considering the offer of another year with Town: "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."

After his time as a trainee at Liverpool, Magilton moved on to Oxford where he scored the equalising goal for the U's in the 1-1 draw which took Town to the old Division Two title in 1992.

After spells with Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday, the Northern Irishman joined the Blues for a fee of £682,500 in March 1999 having spent a very successful two months on loan.

Magilton will be most remembered by Town fans for his hat-trick in the 1999/00 play-off semi-final second leg against Bolton and his pivotal role in George Burley's side which reached fifth position in the Premiership during the following season.

Capped by his country on 49 occasions (five goals), Magilton made 280 appearances for Town and scored 19 times.

Boss Joe Royle is likely to look for a direct replacement for Magilton on a free transfer, although in Kevin Horlock the Blues have a player who can play a similar role, while French loanee Jimmy Juan and youngster Owen Garvan may hope to fill the Northern Irishman's central midfield berth at times during next season.

Canadian central defender Jason de Vos is likely to be named Town's new captain.

Photo: Action Images

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