THE man the fans call 'Magic' has been charged with leading Ipswich Town to promotion next season, writes Derek Davis.Jim Magilton was seen by Blues boss Joe Royle as one of the biggest influences in the Town team last season and is looking for him to repeat his dynamic input again this campaign – and in future years.

THE man the fans call 'Magic' has been charged with leading Ipswich Town to promotion next season, writes Derek Davis.

Jim Magilton was seen by Blues boss Joe Royle as one of the biggest influences in the Town team last season and is looking for him to repeat his dynamic input again this campaign – and in future years.

The 34-year-old has signed a new one-year contract but Royle feels he could be at Portman Road for even longer.

He said: "That deal is more down to the financial position than my belief in his ability. There is no reason why Jim can't be here for several more years."

Royle is confident the former Southampton, Oxford and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder will be a big factor in Division One this season.

He said: "Jim was very important to us last year, probably our biggest influence on the pitch for most of the season, and I'm sure he will be again this season.

"Jim gets hold of the ball and controls the play, he is a big factor in the way we play. He has always been a very fit lad and he has worked extremely hard during the summer to come back ready.

"He is a different sort of captain to Matt, who was very inspirational but didn't shout a lot. Jim is very strong in the dressing room, is not afraid to voice his opinion.

"There were two or three candidates but in the end it was an easy decision and his response when I told him was exactly right. He was excited and proud and I'm sure will be a great leader."

The former Northern Ireland captain takes over the mantle left by Matt Holland, who has recently skippered the Republic of Ireland team, but has joined Charlton in an initial £750,000 move.

Magilton said: "It is a real privilege to play for such a great club as Ipswich Town and to be asked to lead the team is a big honour."