JIM Magilton wants to see a packed Portman Road at every home match. And his message to wavering Ipswich Town season ticket holders is that better times really are just around the corner.

By Elvin King

JIM Magilton wants to see a packed Portman Road at every home match. And his message to wavering Ipswich Town season ticket holders is that better times really are just around the corner.

Spending 30 minutes in the company of the energetic Blues boss leaves you in no doubt about his passion and desire to move his beloved football club forward. And the genial Irishman is convinced that he will. He wants Blues supporters to join in the crusade.

“I want my team to play in front of full houses,” said Magilton as he pondered the possibility of reduced season ticket sales for 2007/08.

“A packed ground will inspire and lift my players. I want Portman Road to be the best place to be - and not half empty. At the end of the day, Ipswich Town FC belongs to the fans - they are a huge part of the club. Every single person who comes through the turnstiles has a part to play.”

And commenting on a new season ticket deal announced today, Magilton says that it is a fantastic offer.

He sees the Premier League as an achievable target and one that is not too far around the corner.

Magilton added: “We have learned from the mistakes we have made over the last few months and it takes a year to get things into shape.

“This was one of the first pieces of advice I received from Sir Bobby Robson. A season allows a team to perform and learn together, to develop trust and gain confidence in each other. And to learn from errors made.

“It creates a culture that allows players' natural talent to come to the forefront.

“We are returning for pre-season training in the middle of June and will hit the ground running.

“Team work cannot be created overnight, it has to be developed.

“When he is up against it, every single member of my team must know that he can utterly rely and trust his team-mates not to let him down.

“This takes time. This is now taking shape. Players are now asking questions and want to be the best.

“Jordan Rhodes saw his name on the back of a shirt in our dressing room before last Saturday's Plymouth game. He has had a taste at just 17, he will want some more and this desire will rub off on the many other excellent youngsters we have at the club.”

Magilton watched a DVD this week of the American basketball film 'Coach Carter'.

He said: “There is a great line where the coach says 'since when is winning not enough'

“And it is all about winning.

“Confidence comes and goes but we have an ethos aimed on teamwork between the four dressing room walls.

“The tentacles then spread throughout the club.”

Ex-England striker Francis Jeffers is in line to be a full time Town player next season - and the manager revealed that the current Blackburn star is not the only top- line recruit he has in his sights to bring in for next season.

Magilton sees a bright future - and he wants the fans to join in.