IN his first major interview of the year, Ipswich Town manager Jim Magilton has today admitted that he did consider walking away from Portman Road when he came under fire earlier this season.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town manager Jim Magilton today admits that for a 'few fleeting seconds' he has considered his position at Portman Road.

But he is 'addicted' to football and the game is in his blood - and he has confidence in his ability to gain Ipswich a place in the Premier League.

In his first major interview of the year the Blues boss also confirms that club owner Marcus Evans has caught the Ipswich Town bug and that Bryan Klug's new role is a more significant one after losing his position of first-team coach.

Magilton leads his team into battle at Bramall Lane against Sheffield United on Saturday needing to win at least five of the six remaining matches to stand a realistic chance of making the Coca-Cola Championship play-offs.

Last season Town finished eighth, and are now 12th despite Evans handing over �12million for Magilton to improve his squad.

Asked whether he had considered resigning on the back of poor result(s) or fierce criticism, Magilton said: “For a few fleeting seconds I've thought 'do I really need this?'

“It's not particularly nice to have people shouting abuse at you but again, it goes with the job. Football is in my blood. It's addictive.”

And talking of Evans, Magilton said: “Times change, yes, but the challenge remains the same. Marcus is totally dedicated to bringing success to Ipswich Town.

“He may not be at Portman Road every day but he is in constant contact with me and every other area of the club. He's caught the football bug; he's caught the Ipswich Town bug.”

Reviewing the decision to bring in John Gorman as assistant manager at Christmas to effectively take over Klug's role, Magilton explained: “I'm enjoying working with John, just as I am with Bryan who has probably a more significant role at the club now than before.

“He's responsible for the development of every player, young and old. He is a top-class coach who is aware of the type of player we want to bring to this club and develop at this club.”