x

Jim Got What He Wanted - Ipswich Town News

Boss Jim Magilton called for his players to make a good start to their season opener at home to Sheffield Wednesday and they gave him exactly that. The Blues won a penalty in the 35th second of the match and never looked back as they went on to a comfortable 4-1 win.

Magilton said: "I asked my players for a quick start and the penalty seemed to relax us. We did the basics better and didn't allow Wednesday a foothold in the game. We produced good movement and I am delighted.

"The start obviously helped us and we took our chances. We managed to keep our shape and this is something to work on. The back four were solid all day and disappointed to concede the late goal."

Magilton says he expects former loanee Franny Jeffers to do well with his new club: "We wanted Franny but then got others in. It was a pleasure to work with him last season and I am sure he will be a huge success with Wednesday."

After the game, two-goal striker Alan Lee told the club site about his accident earlier this week which left a cyclist in hospital: "Obviously it has been a very emotional week after the accident and it has been difficult to focus on the football.

"You would have to have a heart of stone not to be affected by it, but my conscious is clear over the accident. I couldn't have done anything about it, although I can't say too much because I have not given a statement yet.

"When the accident happened, my thoughts were obviously immediately with the poor fella. I've never seen someone in a bad state before and it does shake you up.

"I have been in contact with the police and they assured me that the guy is in a comfortable position. I hope he makes a speedy recovery and I will be going to see him in the next few days.

"Once I heard from the police on Wednesday that he was going to be OK, I started to think about today's game and for the 90 minutes you just focus on the football. It's my job, that's what I am paid to do."

Wednesday boss Brian Laws says he has realised he has a big job to do after his side's woeful display: "We gifted the goals to Ipswich and it was almost kamikaze stuff. There were costly individual mistakes which were just not good enough.

"The only positive to come from the game was that we drew the second half. I have a lot of work on my hands, I wasn't expecting so many bad performances, we almost capitulated.”

Laws felt his side ought to have been given a penalty when Frank Simek was booked for diving in the first half, although it seemed clear to most in the ground that no one touched him: "We still had chances to get back into the game. But Frank Simek was the only shining light. He was outstanding and should have had a penalty. We know that Frank is an honest player and he does not go down.

"We are a better team than we showed today. We have 45 games to go and we must put things right very quickly. I felt sorry for our travelling supporters who saw a performance like this.”

Get the fastest and most comprehensive Ipswich Town news service at ipswichtown.footballlatest.co.uk.

What to read next:

Hutchinson on Target as England U21s Win Euros
Town forward Omari Hutchinson scored as England’s U21s beat Germany 3-2 after extra-time to retain the European U21 Championship in Bratislava, Slovakia.
Ex-Blues Forward Morris Suffers Third ACL Injury
Former Blues forward Ben Morris, now with USL Championship side Detroit City, has suffered the third ACL injury of his career.
Assistant Keeper Coach Martin Leaves Town
Assistant goalkeeper coach David Martin has revealed he is leaving the club after a year.
Hutchinson Aiming to Become Third Town Player to Win U21 Euros With England
Forward Omari Hutchinson will be aiming to become the third Town player to win the European U21 Championship with Town when he and his teammates face Germany in the final in Bratislava, Slovakia this evening (KO 8pm, Channel 4).
New John Wark Book Now Available For Pre-Order
He’s Here, He’s There, the book celebrating the career of Blues legend John Wark is now available for pre-order.
Ashton: We Have to Look at Recruiting a Different Type of Player
Chairman and CEO Mark Ashton says the Blues will be looking at recruiting a different type of player with the physical attributes required to compete in the Premier League.
Tuanzebe: Memorable Two Years, Thank You
Exiting Town defender Axel Tuanzebe has thanked staff and fans for a memorable two years at the club after signing for Premier League new boys Burnley yesterday.
Former Blues Loanee Andrews Confirmed as Brentford Boss
Brentford have confirmed the appointment of former Blues loanee Keith Andrews as their new head coach.
Besiktas Targeting Cajuste
Turkish side Besiktas are targeting former Blues loanee Jens Cajuste, TWTD understands.
Townsend: Dara Deal Shows Town's Intent
Blues full-back Conor Townsend says his close friend Dara O’Shea signing a new contract which runs to the summer of 2030 shows Town’s intent ahead of the new season.