IPSWICH Town legend John Wark says that next Sunday's clash with Norwich City will be the one that could shape the future for Blues manager Jim Magilton.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town legend John Wark says that next Sunday's clash with Norwich City will be the one that could shape the future for Blues manager Jim Magilton.

“A win and all will be well,” said Wark, who is part of hospitality in the Sir Bobby Robson suite during matches at Portman Road.

“But a defeat could lead to decisions being made.”

A time bomb has been ticking for much of this season at Portman Road with fans becoming increasingly frustrated at a failure to come up with the goods in the Coca-Cola Championship.

So far the incendiary has not gone off despite attempts by a small minority to stage demonstrations and make their feelings known to club owner Marcus Evans.

Decision-maker Evans has his own thoughts on whether Magilton will be given a fourth year in charge, and has already made it clear that no decision will be made until after the last kick of this campaign.

He is the type who will weigh up the pros and cons and look at the season as a whole, but he could be swayed if there is considerable fans unrest on a Canaries victory in this weekend's derby.

A Norwich double over the Blues would be seen by many as the final straw. Whether Evans would think the same remains to be seen.

Town's away form - with eight wins on the road this campaign - has helped keep the lid on protests, but a poor display against Bryan Gunn's Norwich could ignite a general feeling of dissatisfaction against Magilton.

Fans protests led to John Duncan being removed as Town manager, and earlier this season a demonstration against Geraint Williams was followed a few days later by his departure from Colchester United.

There might not be too much left to play for as far as Ipswich Town are concerned in this mediocre season, but the outcome of the Norwich game could have far-reaching consequences.