BLUES boss Jim Magilton has played down dressing room bust-ups in the camp and accepts players are not going to be happy when they are dropped.After doing so well in September, Ipswich have slumped to three straight defeats and that has understandably led to frank exchanges of views and those left out venting their frustration.

By Derek Davis

BLUES boss Jim Magilton has played down dressing room bust-ups in the camp and accepts players are not going to be happy when they are dropped.

After doing so well in September, Ipswich have slumped to three straight defeats and that has understandably led to frank exchanges of views and those left out venting their frustration.

Known for his own passion and straight-talking, Magilton insists he does not have a problem with players voicing their opinions and venting frustration by showing they care and are hurt by defeat.

Magilton said: “No one likes to lose and things are going to be said but what is said in the dressing room stays in the dressing room. What has happened is nothing more than happens up and down the country, and it is to be expected.”

Nor is he concerned that players are angered by his own version of the rotation system.

He said: “I didn't like being left out of the team and it was only later in my career that I learned to accept it. Joe Royle actually sat me down and explained why players had to be left out now and then and the team is picked for a particular game.

“Players get left out for one game and have to be professional enough to accept that. If they have a problem then they should come and speak to me about it and not go complaining elsewhere.”

A couple of weeks ago Ipswich were playing Colchester to go second in the Championship, but three straight losses have seen them slump to 17th in the table.

Magilton is looking to make changes where necessary and is looking to follow up the loan signing of Gary Roberts with the acquisition of a defender today.

He is also looking to loan some of his less experienced players out, with clubs making initial enquiries about Ian Miller, Darryl Knights and James Krause.

Magilton said: “There has been interest in these lads and if those clubs follow that up then we will be prepared to let them go out.”

Magilton also revealed that he may be willing to release players in the January window, but only if he has cover. With Mark Noble going back to West Ham next month and Simon Walton and Jon Macken due to return to their clubs in January, Magilton is keen not to be caught short.

He said: “At the moment, I don't want to lose any senior players but if someone were to offer the right sort of swap deal, or if players we wanted became available, then we may be willing to let people go.”

Magilton was at Didcot on Wednesday night running the rule over the reserves that won 3-2 against Oxford United.

Keeper Shane Supple may win a recall to the first team starting line-up tomorrow after Town conceded eight goals in two matches, while Dean Bowditch did his chances of a return no harm by scoring the second goal that sandwiched two by Knights.

Magilton also rejected suggestions that he is interested in signing transfer-listed Leon Knight from Swansea.