Former Ipswich Town manager Jim Magilton believes there are not enough leaders in the current side, as the pressure continues to mount on Blues boss Mick McCarthy.

Magilton was controversially sacked in April 2009, having previously finished 14th and eighth in the Championship – the Northern Irishman leaving the Suffolk club three days after a 3-2 home victory over East Anglian rivals, Norwich City.

He was replaced by Roy Keane, who failed to fulfil owner Marcus Evans’ dream of reaching the Premier League, while since Keane’s departure, Paul Jewell and current incumbent Mick McCarthy have been unable to get the club to the top-flight.

McCarthy did lead the club to the play-off semi-finals in May 2015, but since then the Blues have failed to kick on and currently lie 16th in the Championship – eight points clear of the bottom three but 12 behind the top-six. They were defeated at home on Boxing Day, 2-0 by Fulham.

Replying to a fan on Twitter who accused the current Blues team of lacking passion on the pitch, Magilton replied: “Too many sheep not enough shepherds.”

He added, in reference to occassionally squaring up to his own team-mates on the field: “Moment shirt was on my back I would have done anything to win.”

Since leaving Portman Road, Magilton briefly managed QPR, before having a short stint in charge of Melbourne Victory, in Australia.

His departure from Town was acrimonious with then-chief executive Simon Clegg refusing to comment on speculation over the manager’s future, despite the derby-day win just two day’s previously.

He was sacked whilst on compassionate leave, visiting his poorly mother in Northern Ireland and Magilton said on Twitter: “I was at home and mum was in intensive care. Call lasted 3mins and Roy in next day. Beautiful game horrible business.”

He added: “I had as much support as a chocolate fire guard provides. I take full responsibility for everything. Norwich at home was last straw for me.

“Marcus came at a time when the club needed him most. All felt it was lift off. It hasn’t happened. Can’t forget what he has done.”