JIM Magilton last night reiterated that his future, just like his players, will be decided in May and not before.

Derek Davis

JIM Magilton last night reiterated that his future, just like his players, will be decided in May and not before.

But the Blues boss also insisted that the remaining five games carried no more significance than those at the beginning of the season and he wanted to win them all.

Town lost three and won two of their opening five league games and failure to be anywhere near the play-off places has left Magilton's job in jeopardy.

But just as no decisions will be made on player contracts, so Magilton is confident that owner Marcus Evans will stick to his plan of making a judgement on his future at the end of the season and has not been given any assurances that he will be kept on - or sacked.

Magilton said: “No decisions will be made on any lads whose contract is up until the last ball is kicked. We have made that clear and they are all aware of that situation.

“It is similar for myself. The owner came out and made that quite clear. Even though after every result there is more and more speculation but he made it clear nothing will happen until after Coventry at home.

“He said it in a statement before the Nottingham Forest game and there is no need for him to make a further statement.

“I'm as focused on getting results now as I am on the first day of the season. It is no more important now than it was then.”

Iv�n Campo is one of 13 players out of contract at the end of the season and the 35-year-old has pleaded for the option of another year to be taken up.

Although Portsmouth have already asked their former manager Harry Redknapp to allow them to have Gio dos Santos on loan for a season, Magilton is also hoping to convince the Mexican to return to Portman Road but admits it may be difficult.

He said: “I would love to have him here next season.

“We had Danny Simpson here last season but he went back to Manchester United. They go back hoping to play in their first team and rightly so. If you are under contract at Tottenham Hotspur and have the summer off you go back in pre-season thinking you are going to play in the first team.

“It will be because of monitoring that situation and if we get the opportunity to get him in then he is someone that could make a difference at this level.

“Gio gives us that spark we missed and he is looking forward to it after two week's in the sun.

“Unlike last year when we were scoring at will we have not has that this year and Gio is someone who can open the door for us. He can makes things happen and excites people.”

Apart from Alex Bruce who has declined the offer made to him, Tommy Miller is the most senior player out of contract and even though he was dropped for the 2-0 loss at Sheffield United, is favourite to get a new deal.

A number of players have already been told they will not be kept on including Billy Clarke, Jai Reason, and Ed Upson, while keeper Shane Supple is unlikely to stay.

Moritz Volz, whose loan spell from Fulham runs out in the summer, continues to struggle with a groin problem and just as he is not likely to be risked against Doncaster Rovers tomorrow, may struggle to convince he is worth a Portman Road deal.

Ipswich are looking to bounce back after defeat at Bramall Lane and have every chance against a Rovers side who have lost their past four matches and are still looking over their shoulder.

Magilton said: “We had a two week break and went to Sheffield United where we didn't play particularly well so we have to accept that and take it on the chin.

“We have a home game against Doncaster which is going to be difficult like all games are. They are a good footballing side, they will come here and get people behind the ball so it is up to us.”

Town will welcome back Jon Walters from a ruptured ligaments injury, David Wright after a hamstring strain and dos Santos.

Magilton said: “Jon coming back is a big plus. He has been a massive player for us.”

Town are likely to be without skipper Gareth McAuley, Jon Stead who has a back problem and Volz, although all three are in with a chance of playing at Bristol City.

derek.davis@eadt.co.uk