Blues Chief Leaves Club

It would appear Simon Clegg has been sacked as Ipswich Town’s chief executive.

In a carefully worded statement released by the club Clegg is no longer the chief exec and will be looking for new challenges, with Marcus Evans using the new financial fair play rules as an excuse to get rid of the man who arrived a few days before Roy Keane in 2009 and whose first job was to sack Jim magilton.

The statement in full

Ipswich Town has today announced that Simon Clegg is to stand down from his position as the Club`s chief executive after nearly four years.

As part of a strategy to meet the financial challenges of the Financial Fair Play rules, Marcus Evans, the Club`s owner, and other members of the Board will be taking a more hands-on approach to the day-to-day management of the Club.

Marcus Evans said: “Following a review of the Club`s management structure and the Financial Fair Play budgeting requirements it became clear that we would need to operate differently going forward and Simon and I mutually agreed that it was time for him to seek new opportunities. I would like to place on record my huge appreciation for all of Simon`s hard work, loyalty and professionalism. Over the last four years he has done an outstanding job as the public face of the Club.”

Commenting on his decision, Simon Clegg said: “As a result of the strategic review, it is clear that moving towards breakeven will challenge all clubs, not just Ipswich Town. At the top of our agenda, and quite rightly, has been the priority to protect the playing budget. This, coupled with the owner`s intention to play a more hands-on role has led me to the decision that now is the right time to seek a new challenge. Whilst we have been discussing this for some time, we agreed to leave any final decision until nearer the time when the rules are due to take effect, at the end of this season, and after the end of this last transfer window.

“I will be returning to my family in Surrey and over the coming months will be looking for my next professional challenge in international or domestic sport.”