Tractor boss ploughs ahead with big plans

IPSWICH owner Marcus Evans has been working in the background for a number of weeks on changes to improve the Blues chances of realising his goal of Premier League football.

This culminated this week in the appointment of Simon Clegg as chief executive on Tuesday, the removal of Magilton on Wednesday and the appointment of Keane yesterday.

Plans to keep Keane’s appointment quiet were scuppered when bookmakers refused to take more bets on Keane’s appointment. Keane will take charge of Town at Cardiff tomorrow.

Evans is delighted to have the Corkman on board. He said: “I am delighted that Roy has agreed to join us and we are completely aligned in our ambitions for Ipswich Town.

“He has extensive contacts in the game and is a proven winner who encourages his team to play the attractive football that Ipswich Town fans have come to expect.

“I believe he is the right man to take this club where we want to be — the Premier League.”

Clegg added: “The appointment of Roy Keane further demonstrates our commitment to help Ipswich achieve our aim of returning to the Premier League.

“Roy has experienced promotion as Championship winners as a manager and, importantly then kept his side in English football’s top flight.”

Clegg confirmed that discussions had been going on for a while and that Bryan Klug was pencilled in to take charge at Cardiff if an appointment had been delayed.

“Marcus Evans was away for the previous two weeks, but I had had extensive discussions with him over strategic issues after the team has not performed to the level of our aspirations.

“And the decision to part with Jim has not been a knee-jerk reaction.”

Magilton was dismissed after failing to make the play-offs despite a £12million boost from Evans to bolster the playing side.

Magilton, went back to his native Belfast on Tuesday because his mother is ill.

He was told the news of his dismissal by telephone from Evans. Assistant John Gorman was told personally by Clegg, who also spoke to special skills coach Steve Foley.

Foley will be staying on at Portman Road although a final decision could rest with the new manager.

And reflecting on Magilton’s reign, Clegg said: “Jim made a massive contribution both as a player and a manager.

“He was the fourth longest serving manager in the division and had nearly three complete seasons here.

“We’re absolutely sure he’s got a future in the game and the timing of this decision gives him the best possible opportunity of picking up another position before the start of next season.

“We wish him well and the club recognises the contribution he has made.”