THE cull has started as Blues' boss Jim Magilton looks to make the changes that will see Ipswich challenge for automatic promotion or at worst, finish in the top six next season.

Derek Davis

THE cull has started as Blues boss Jim Magilton looks to make the changes that will see Ipswich challenge for automatic promotion or at worst, finish in the top six next season.

After failing to reach the play-offs with his current crop of players Magilton has vowed to swing the axe and bring in quality players during the summer rebuilding.

Town finished eighth in the Championship, despite their final day win over Hull City, and Magilton has already started planning for the new campaign.

Jason De Vos has confirmed his retirement, first revealed in the EADT in March, while Fabian Wilnis and Sylvain Legwinski will not be having their contracts renewed.

Sito Castro and Owen Garvan have been offered new deals, with both expected to give their answers this week, while it is understood Magilton has already held talks with potential new signings.

Magilton said: “To be competing for the play-offs means we have made massive strides, but we are not where we want to be.

“To get there we are going to bring in better players and get rid of those that are not going to take us where we want to be.

“We are going to move forward and be competitive. We need to maintain this fantastic home record and pick up a few results away from home.

“It is not rocket science, it just means having the right sort of character and personality in the club.

“I never said it would be done overnight so it is a building process. Which is were we are getting to. I'm ambitious and want to get us into the Premier League.”

Magilton has again targeted at least one centre half, and is still after a proven goals-scorer, especially someone that can score away from home.

“If we can get one or two match-winners in the side it will make a big difference.

“In our away performances we have not been able to score and take advantage of possession we have had so we are looking that sort of player.

“If we can get them then I feel we will be a threat again, regardless of who gets relegated from the Premier League.”

Magilton paid tribute to Wilnis, who has spent nine years at Portman road, and also Legwinski and De Vos.

He said: “We are going to lose three outstanding individuals. Their contribution has been immense. They have helped sort of the dressing room, helped with the kids and encouraging young pros.

“They are magnificent professionals and will be difficult to replace but that is my job and I will go out and the find the next ones.”

Magilton is also determined to improve Town's appalling away record which saw just three wins on the road this season.

He said: “It was a case of what if. What if our away form had been better?

“Certainly our home form has been fantastic, but we did fall short and that is disappointing.

“We have been that dominate against many teams, but not won.

“Phil Brown is right when he says there is a chink in us because you can't be that good and not get the results away.

“It is something to work on, something to correct.”

Alan Lee's winner over Hull was Town's 15th home win of the season, the best record in the Championship.