Jim Offered to Stand Down - Ipswich Town News
Veteran midfielder Jim Magilton has had an offer to stand down as Town captain turned down by boss Joe Royle. The Northern Irishman has been skipper since Matt Holland's departure in 2003.
Magilton told the club site that he hopes to help the progress of the club's youngsters this season: "I'll be pushing as hard as I've ever done to get in the side, don't worry about that, but I also have a role to play in helping the development of the many talented younger players at this club.
"I spoke to the gaffer and told him that I was more than happy to stand aside and let someone else have the honour of captaining the side.
"That's what it is, a great honour to lead Ipswich Town, but he didn't want to hear anything about the idea.
"So, if I've still got the armband next season, it will be another fantastic privilege for me and I will do everything I can to carry out the job with the respect it deserves."
Magilton says he was tempted to leave the club after receiving a player-coach role by Bristol Rovers and confirmed that 2005/06 would be his last as a Town player: "There was contact from Rovers and I was flattered by their interest.
"I do have to look at my future and coaching does appeal. I also accept that this season will be my last as a player at this fantastic football club.
"I'm looking forward to it though, just as much as I've ever done. I love playing for this club and I'm determined to play my part in what I hope will be a successful season here."
What to read next:
Birmingham Make Last-Gasp New Approach For AkpomBirmingham City reportedly still haven’t given up hope of signing Ajax forward Chuba Akpom, despite the 29-year-old having been in Suffolk to undergo a medical ahead of a loan move this evening.
Cajuste Set For Town ReturnJens Cajuste is set to travel to back to England to undergo a medical at Town having agreed to return to the Blues for a second season on loan, according to a report in Italy.
Akpom Travelling to Town For MedicalAjax forward Chuba Akpom is travelling to Town for a medical, the Blues having agreed a season-long loan deal with the Dutch giants earlier this afternoon, gazumping Friday’s opponents Birmingham City, who were closing in on signing the 29-year-old.
Palmer: We Have to Relish Favourites TagAlex Palmer says he is relishing the tag of being Championship title favourites ahead of the Town’s second-tier season getting underway against Birmingham City next Friday.
Town Agree Akpom Terms With AjaxTown are reported to have agreed a deal with Ajax to sign Chuba Akpom on loan with an option to buy should the Blues win promotion to the Premier League.
Wark Joined By Burley at Portman Road Event to Launch BookThe launch of the new John Wark book
He’s Here, He’s There is being celebrated with a prestigious event starring Wark himself and his Town and Scotland teammate George Burley in the Sir Bobby Robson Suite at Portman Road on Thursday 2nd October.