UNDER-FIRE Ipswich boss Jim Magilton today received the backing of Nottingham Forest counterpart Billy Davies after the Blues got back to winning ways.

Elvin King

UNDER-FIRE Ipswich boss Jim Magilton today received the backing of Nottingham Forest counterpart Billy Davies after the Blues got back to winning ways.

“Give Jim time,” stressed Davies, who says that Magilton has it much harder than Sir Bobby Robson did during his time in charge at Portman Road.

Town won a home Coca-Cola Championship game last night for the first time since December 10 when they beat Davies' side 2-1 to move up to tenth place - four points off the play-offs.

And Davies, who took Derby to the Premier League after great success at Preston, called on Ipswich's critics to give Magilton time.

“The likes of Sir Bobby Robson and Brian Clough would find the job much tougher now than it was in their heyday,” said Davies.

“And I was told recently by a very experienced and successful manager that he is very pleased to be coming to the end of his career.

“It is ludicrous the pressure put on managers these days.

“The criticism of Jim tells you exactly what we are dealing with in modern-day football.

“Ipswich are four points off the play-offs and been beaten once in eight league games.

“We are all chasing the golden egg. Money is being ploughed in yet not every team can get promoted.

“It is a recipe for disaster.

“There is no time to develop in football these days. It is all about quick success.

“I have youngsters in my team who should still be learning the game.

“And it takes to build a side and managers should be allowed this time.”

An own goal from Forest skipper James Perch gave Ipswich a first half lead, which was added to by David Wright's first goal of the season.

Nathan Tyson pulled a goal back and Forest hit the post on a night when Magilton received the full backing of Town fans.

There was no hint of any trouble within the stadium, as Magilton's management was given the thumbs up by the near 20,000 at the game.

Town travel to London to play Queens Park Rangers on Saturday night with Gareth McAuley expected to be fit after taking a painful knock when denying Tyson a late equaliser in a game Town just about deserved to win.