TONY Mowbray has backed Jim Magilton to turn things around - even though the Blues boss called him 'an idiot' for rejecting the chance to manage Ipswich.

By Derek Davis

TONY Mowbray has backed Jim Magilton to turn things around - even though the Blues boss called him 'an idiot' for rejecting the chance to manage Ipswich.

Speaking after seeing his new club West Brom demolish Town 5-1, Mowbray said: “It was an interesting afternoon. Jim has had a tremendous run recently and was one win away from being manager of the month in September. He can be reasonably happy with the way things have gone in his first season as a manager.

“Despite this result I genuinely believe he has a good team and good teams bounce back from results like this and he could well get a result against Preston to get back on track.

“Jim knew what he wanted as a player and he got it and I'm sure he will as a manager.”

Defiant Magilton said: “I would not swap this job for the world as simple as that. I think Tony was an idiot for turning down the chance of this job.

“Tony has the ability and the character to do well at West Brom. He is a development coach who likes to be on the training ground. He is bright and enthusiastic and will enjoy working with those players who have a lot of quality.”