SIR Bobby Robson, the man who led Ipswich Town to success in the UEFA and FA Cups, today gave his full backing to Jim Magilton.And he had this message for the Blues' boss: “Now is the time to show passion and fervour, and to face the future.

Elvin King

SIR Bobby Robson, the man who led Ipswich Town to success in the UEFA and FA Cups, today gave his full backing to Jim Magilton.

And he had this message for the Blues' boss: “Now is the time to show passion and fervour, and to face the future.

“The last six games are not the time to be cautious.

“Make teams nervous of you, and not the other way round. Don't be afraid.”

Robson is eagerly awaiting the reunion of his 1978 FA Cup winning side on Monday May 5 when the squad will parade around the town and end on the town hall balcony on the Cornhill in front of an estimated 5,000 fans.

He will be present joining in the fun, and will also be watching the final Coca-Cola Championship match of the season the previous day when Hull City visit Portman Road.

Robson said: “It would be a privilege to be present when Ipswich made the play-offs,” said Robson, who was rewarded for his 14-year impeccable service with Ipswich by being made president.

“Ipswich under Jim Magilton are capable of doing it, although automatic promotion looks a long shot now.

Despite having a brain tumour removed after he fell ill during Magilton's first game in charge on the opening day of the 2006/07 campaign, Robson, 75, is in reasonable health and still fulfilling a hectic schedule.

He confirmed that Town, through his long-time friend and now Magilton's advisor Charlie Woods, had enquired last week about the availability of Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi.

“Shola is a very good player, and that would have been a big scoop,” said ex-Toon manager Robson, about a striker who has ended up on loan with Stoke City and could sign full time for the Potters in the summer.

And reflecting on the job being done at Portman Road by Magilton, Robson said: “He is making good progress and I hope his future will be with Ipswich Town.

“Like all managers he needs time to get accustomed and he is doing a first rate job.

“Clubs change managers far too quickly, and you lose four games on the trot and face the sack.

“I was thrown out at Fulham when we were eighth in the old Second Division.

“Patient is a virtue in football management, and how good was I in my second year at Portman Road?

“Some fans were calling for my head - and I stayed for 14 years.

“Football has always been about winning, but now it is a necessity - now it is big business.”