x

Jim Hails Spirit in Camp - Ipswich Town News

Boss Jim Magilton hailed the spirit inside the Town camp after the Blues defeated QPR 3-1 at Loftus Road. The Town manager, under fire earlier in the week, has now seen his side to two successive wins and to within two points of the play-offs.

Magilton says the focus shouldn't be on him or his position but on his team: "It's not about me, it's about preparing these lads, being professional and they have shone like beacons this week.

"There is a tremendous spirit in my camp, regardless of what you hear outside of it. They are a great bunch of lads and they showed their honesty and determination."

The Blues boss says the criticism earlier in the week goes with the territory: "It's part of the modern game."

Magilton was delighted with his side's strikes at Loftus Road: "They were three quality goals, in particular the second from Pablo. That gave us a toehold in the game.

"It was good all three strikers scored because they put in so much effort week-in, week-out and have not always been rewarded.”

Magilton says he decided to bring David Norris back into the side for the injured Danny Haynes rather than Jon Walters because of the way QPR line up: "We knew they use three central midfielders and I know David is very comfortable in that area. We knew it would free up Luciano Civelli, which worked well at times.

"I know I have adaptability in the squad and I can use Jon as an extra attacker, and that got David ahead of Jon, who is also still post-virus.

"I was pleased he came on and scored, and I was pleased that tactically we got it spot on.

"They were outstanding to a man, even the lads coming off the bench. They show that honesty and determination every week.

"We lack quality at times and through the course of the season we have strived for consistency, but I can't ever fault their effort.”

QPR manager Paulo Sousa said the booing of skipper Gavin Mahon by Rangers fans wasn't anything out of the ordinary: "It's normal, I can understand it. It was not a good game for Gavin.

"When you are afraid to make a mistake, you make a mistake. But when you lose, you lose together, and when you win you win together. It wasn't a good game for him, but we can count on him in the future.

"My aim is still to create a good base looking to the future. I hope next season to be looking for the Premier League. But when you are very close to the play-offs, you need to think about them.

"There are five or six teams very close and each one can be up there."

What to read next:

Ayinde Receives First Irish U21s Call
Blues youngster Leon Ayinde has been named in the Republic of Ireland U21s squad for the first time ahead of their European Championship qualifier against Slovakia at Turner’s Cross, Cork on Friday 10th October.
Town Quintet in Ireland Squad
Town quintet Dara O’Shea, Sammie Szmodics, Kasey McAteer, Jack Taylor and Chieo Ogbene have been named in the Republic of Ireland squad for their World Cup qualifiers this month.
Manning: A Good Time to Go Into Derby
Norwich boss Liam Manning insists that now is a good time for his side to go into the East Anglian derby, despite the Canaries being on a run of four games without a win.
[Podcast] The Naked Football Show - Listen Again
This week's Naked Football Show is now available online.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Gray Man of the Match as New Zealand U20s Beat Egypt
Town keeper Henry Gray was named Man of the Match as New Zealand beat Egypt 2-1 in their second group game at the U20 World Cup in Chile overnight.
Bristol City 1-1 Ipswich Town - Highlights
Highlights of the 1-1 draw with Bristol City at Ashton Gate.
Struber: The Players Executed the Game Plan Really Well
Bristol City head coach Gerhard Struber was pleased with the way his team carried out his game plan during their 1-1 draw with the Blues at Ashton Gate and had no complaints regarding Town’s penalty.
McKenna: Focus Can Now Turn to Norwich
Town boss Kieran McKenna says full focus can now finally turn to Sunday’s East Anglian derby against Norwich City at Portman Road.
McKenna: A Hard-Fought Point, We Made a Tough Night Even Tougher
Town boss Kieran McKenna felt there were positives to be taken from the 1-1 draw at Bristol City, particularly having gone behind after only 18 minutes.