Magilton: Critics spur me on
IPSWICH Town manager Jim Magilton today said the criticism he has received this week following last Saturday's defeat at rock-bottom Doncaster will only inspire him to lead the Blues to greater things.
Elvin King
IPSWICH Town manager Jim Magilton today said the criticism he has received this week following last Saturday's defeat at rock-bottom Doncaster will only inspire him to lead the Blues to greater things.
Town take on in-form Derby County in the Coca-Cola Championship at Portman Road tomorrow (kick-off 3pm) with Magilton admitting the 1-0 reverse at the Keepmoat Stadium was the result of a very poor performance.
However, he is looking for a big improvement when the Rams come to town in a fixture that could see Ipswich move back up into contention for a play-off spot.
Magilton said: “I am not bothered by the criticism that has been levelled at me and the team this week.
“In fact it will inspire me to do more for this club and I am not affected by what has been said and written.
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“I have to hold my hands up and admit that unfortunately it was one of our poorest displays and that being shown live on television it was there for open view and made us open to extra scrutiny.
“But we are better than our performance at Doncaster and I want to see it tomorrow - and also a win.”
Skipper Gareth McAuley did some leg work today in training and a decision will be made on his fitness later on after a hamstring problem while Jon Walters is feeling better after what the manager describes as a hip niggle that perhaps on hindsight needed a rest last week.
Ben Thatcher and Pim Balkenstein come into contention for a defensive role with Moritz Volz suspended and McAuley a big doubt while Jon Stead and Pablo Counago are both good home players and could figure up front.
And Magilton is looking to the crowd to his team a boost saying: “We gave a disciplined and professional performance in our last home game against QPR and we need the same tomorrow.
“And our fans can play their part if they get right behind us from the start and inspire the lads in what is a massive game and the first in a run of four difficult fixtures that we need to do well in.
“Derby are on the rise with a balanced side and with plenty of confidence and firepower in their team that will always be a goal threat”.
