THE long-awaited takeover at Ipswich Town is set to be completed this week.Blues chief executive Derek Bowden is confident that the takeover will now go ahead with a formal announcement made before the weekend.

By Derek Davis

THE long-awaited takeover at Ipswich Town is set to be completed this week.

Blues chief executive Derek Bowden is confident that the takeover will now go ahead with a formal announcement made before the weekend.

That would mean everything being tied up in December allowing manager Jim Magilton to start a spending spree in January.

Bowden said: “I believe we are almost there and, without tempting fate, expect that a deal will be finalised by the end of the week. At which point those of you who are shareholders will receive a circular from the club outlining the proposal and asking you to attend an Extraordinary General Meeting of the club.

“It is our aim to finalise the transaction this side of Christmas in order that monies will be made available for Jim to strengthen the squad during the January transfer window.

“Again, as you would expect, planning has already begun within the coaching staff and hopefully we will be able to move quickly once the window opens.”

There was more good news on the pitch for Ipswich as they beat Southampton last night to go fourth in the Championship with their 12th successive home win, and the eighth of this season. Blues boss Jim Magilton accepted that good fortune played in the victory over his old boss.

Magilton said: “The first goal was always going to important. We were a bit nervy as the result on Saturday had added pressure but overall I'm delighted to get a clean sheet and with the determination we showed to get a result.”