JIM Magilton has tipped a top six finish for Ipswich Town next season - if he can sign the three quality players he has targeted.The Blues boss, who is now the 35th longest-serving manager after a dramatic day yesterday that saw Stuart Pearce sacked by Manchester City and Paul Jewell quit as Wigan boss, is confident Town can make significant progress next year in his second season in charge.

By Derek Davis

JIM Magilton has tipped a top six finish for Ipswich Town next season - if he can sign the three quality players he has targeted.

The Blues boss, who is now the 35th longest-serving manager after a dramatic day yesterday that saw Stuart Pearce sacked by Manchester City and Paul Jewell quit as Wigan boss, is confident Town can make significant progress next year in his second season in charge.

Magilton is hoping to secure Francis Jeffers, who should find out his Blackburn fate this week.

The Town manager, who took over from Joe Royle last June, has also been linked with former Town favourite Richard Wright, who was released by Everton last night.

If Magilton gets his trio of targets then he is confident they will be at least challenging for the play-offs this time next year.

Magilton said: “If circumstances allow for me to bring in the players I want, those I have earmarked will make us better and if we get them then we will be top six.

“Attracting someone of Frannie's ability sends a message to everyone and if we can get him in the building that is a statement of intent from the chairman and the board.”

With Magilton in Canada this week it is unlikely any deal will be done in the next few days.

Town are hoping to cash in on Darren Bent's inevitable sale from Charlton and from refinancing at the club.

Magilton said: “If we don't get those players then we have brought in players to this football club that have shown real promise and I'm optimistic we can go further than the 14th we finished this year.”