BLUES boss Jim Magilton has backed old mate Iain Dowie after he left QPR as a matter of principle.

Derek Davis

BLUES boss Jim Magilton has backed old mate Iain Dowie after he left QPR as a matter of principle.

Dowie left Loftus Road last week amid claims he was unhappy with the interference from chairman Flavio Briatore.

It was the fifth club Dowie has managed since starting out at Oldham but the second within a year that Dowie has left.

Magilton said: “It is on his CV and I don't think Iain deserves that. It is twice now that he has been harshly treated. He was harshly treated at Coventry City and now at QPR.

“Iain is very strong-willed man and will stand by his principles to the point where it has cost him his job.”

Magilton and Dowie became good friends playing for Northern Ireland and the Town boss is godfather to one of Dowie's children.

Player-coach Gareth Ainsworth has been handed the caretaker-manager's role and has already overseen two clean sheets with a goalless draw at Reading and a1-0 win on Tuesday over former league leaders Birmingham City.

Like Magilton Ainsworth is stepping straight out of the dressing room door as a player and back in as the boss, which can bring added problems.

On top of that he is the lead guitarist in band that the players go to watch

Magilton feels Ainsworth will relish the opportunity but hints that he may not have the control the Ipswich boss enjoys.

He said: “It is a big change over for Gareth and I'm sure it is big change over for him but I'm sure he will adapt. He has been at the club a long time and this is great opportunity for him and I'm sure one he will enjoy.

“He has an owner who will bring in good players.”

One player QPR will have to do without for the next four games, starting with the match against Ipswich, is Mikele Leigertwood who was sent off for violent conduct against Birmingham.

The Hoops appealed but lost and the FA ruled it a frivolous appeal and added an extra game to the statutory three-match ban for the offence.

Ipswich could be without Danny Haynes who is a major doubt with an abdominal strain.

The Blues forward picked up the injury in a practice game yesterday afternoon.

Haynes would have hoped for at least a place on the Town bench against QPR but with David Norris back from suspension Jon Stead is likely to miss out on a starting spot.

Better news for Town is that Ben Thatcher came through the practice match without any ill-effects and will challenge for a return to the left-back spot.