DEPARTING Blues skipper Jim Magilton has warned that Town will have to improve all round if they are going to challenge for promotion next season.Magilton believes this side has the potential to be among the contenders, but needs to get stronger.

By Derek Davis

DEPARTING Blues skipper Jim Magilton has warned that Town will have to improve all round if they are going to challenge for promotion next season.

Magilton believes this side has the potential to be among the contenders, but needs to get stronger.

The Irishman said: “Ipswich are not going to send shock waves through the Championship given our current form. We have a lot of very good youngsters, but we also need to get our good players fit again.”

The Irishman, who will be 37 in a fortnight, explained why he was not given the chance to make a bow by being taken off during the second half, but instead substituted at half-time.

Magilton himself chose to come off at half-time when manager Joe Royle warned him that he wanted Jaime Peters to replace him.

Magilton explained: “The gaffer gave me a choice and quite simply I decided to come off at half-time. It would have been nice to have the big glory, but that would have been selfish. We still had a game to win and the manger wanted to bring Jaime Peters on and I thought it would be unfair on Jaime if I had stayed on for a few minutes or whatever then come off.

“It worked because we scored almost straight away. I heard the roar while I was in getting changed and then watched the rest of the game from the manager's office.”

Magilton was given a standing ovation during a lap of honour with the rest of the squad following respectfully behind him. It was made all the more special as he had his two young sons, Ryan and Adam, with him, both wearing the Blues' strip.

Magilton said: “I want to thank the fans for the send off it was truly emotional. It was all a bit of a surprise to me to have the two lads there. I have to thank the players as well.

“It was only right for them to be with me because they are Ipswich through and through. They have both grown up here. Ryan was born in Ipswich so I was glad they could be with me.

“The supporters were terrific and it was very emotional.”

The Blues secured their first victory in nine games with goals from Nicky Forster and Darren Currie.

For more reaction to Saturday's match at Portman Road buy today's EADT.