Reports: Keane to helm Ipswich

Reports last night suggested former Sunderland boss Roy Keane could be named as Jim Magilton’s replacement as boss of Ipswich before the end of the week, but there was no formal word from Portman Road.

The Coca-Cola Championship club sacked Jim Magilton yesterday morning after a disappointing season which has seen any dim hopes of a play-off challenge fade into mid-table mediocrity.

New owner Marcus Evans gave Magilton £12m (€13.4m) to spend on players and will dig into his chequebook again for the new man, while with 13 players out of contract, there is an opportunity for a fresh start at the club.

Chief executive Simon Clegg has already stated that Magilton‘s successor will be named shortly and former striker Paul Mariner believes that the new man will be handed a plum job.

Mariner said: “It is absolutely one of the best jobs in the country. There will not be a better opportunity outside of the top flight.”