IPSWICH Town manager Jim Magilton today revealed that he is astounded by the support his team receives.And he called on them to play their part when the Blues look to get their Coca-Cola Championship challenge back on track against Leicester City at Portman Road tomorrow night.

By Elvin King

IPSWICH Town manager Jim Magilton today revealed that he is astounded by the support his team receives.

And he called on them to play their part when the Blues look to get their Coca-Cola Championship challenge back on track against Leicester City at Portman Road tomorrow night.

“We need every one of them,” said Magilton, whose team were a shambles in the first half of Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Charlton.

“Our supporters have been outstanding and the support for this football club is astounding.

“I appreciate everything they do.

“I would have understood it if we had lost our fans on Saturday, especially after missing a penalty.”

Despite a string of dreadful away shows over 3,000 Ipswich followers were at the Valley - and the great majority stayed right behind their team despite the performance.

Whether the manager's high regard for the fans is being reciprocated at the moment is open to some conjecture.

Just two wins in eight games, and no away successes for 15 now, eats considerably into the kudos achieved from the startling home run of 12 wins and one draw.

While the fans are top of the league the team is certainly not right now with question marks over the manager's selections and purchasers.

It was certainly not the most encouraging display for Ipswich supporters just days after Magilton signed a contract that ties him to Portman Road until the end of the 2009/10 campaign.

It could all change in a few short weeks with Ipswich still poised to make an impression on the top six by Christmas. And quite rightly the manager's position is in no doubt whatsoever.

Matt Holland, who captained Town before Magilton took the arm band and then the manager's chair, today had some words of comfort for his former team mate.

The Charlton midfielder said: “We did not know what hit us in the second half, and if Ipswich can play like that they will be a real force this season.

“We played very well in the opening period and would have taken some stopping against any team, but we were under severe pressure after the break.”

It was Holland's first game against Ipswich since he left Portman Road, and he added: “It was difficult.

“I have a host of happy memories, and am very fond of the club.

“When I crossed for Darren Ambrose's goal I put my arm up a little bit to celebrate but that was all.

“And I know Darren felt the same way. We were both sorry to leave.”

Ipswich Town are keeping tabs on gritty Watford midfielder Gavin Mahon. The 30-year-old, who played in the Premier League last season, is also being pursued by Queens Park Rangers with a move away from Vicarage Road likely in January.