Owner Marcus Evans has criticised the local press for their public ‘Jim Out’ campaign, and is backing Ipswich boss Jim Magilton to take the Blues to the Premiership.
On Monday, the East Anglian Daily Times issued an article, written by editor and fan-of-fourty-years Terry Hunt, calling for Magilton to leave his post as Ipswich manager.
However, the elusive owner of the Portman Road club has issued a statement via the club website. It reads:
‘The local press are generally well meaning and are supporters of the football club (though I never forget their primary objective is to sell papers and in their business, controversy sells), however their current stance is in my opinion wrong.
‘Jim is the first to admit we are not yet where we want to be and the press are within their rights to be on both his and the club’s back. However the current ‘Jim Out’ campaign is the latest in a long running saga that basically, at its roots, is down to Jim and the local press having a fairly feisty relationship. I have been told from reliable sources that Joe Royle or George Burley would never have been treated in this way as they gave the press regular ‘access’, a continued bone of contention.
‘The current negative approach by the press isn’t going to assist in us getting promoted and, in fact I believe, the changes they are proposing would be incredibly destabilising at this critical stage in the season.
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‘That’s only my opinion. I am sure you will make your own mind up as to whether Jim has ever been given a fair run as manager by the local media.
‘On to the football, the season so far and where we find ourselves. Firstly, I don’t intend to make any decisions based on friendly advice from local newspapers. I will make my decisions based upon what I believe is best for the club and in the full knowledge that no person is bigger than the club and that includes me as well as the manager.
‘All of us at Ipswich Town are disappointed with where we are today however it’s far from being a case of all doom and gloom.
‘So, do we change our entire management plan and strategy of improving coaching throughout the club (which is a strategy driven from the top by the manager) based on three or four chances not going our way so far this season? I don’t believe so. The challenge of getting back into the world’s greatest league is never going to be easy and there are many clubs as ambitious as us and as well resourced as us.
Also, look below us at clubs recently in the Premiership who are finding it tough going in the Championship. Derby County, Charlton Athletic, Coventry City, Nottingham Forest, Norwich City, Southampton, not to mention Leicester City who have dropped down to League One.
‘We have a great squad, one that on its day matches anyone in the Championship. Even over the last few weeks, the home games we failed to win saw us peppering the opposition goalmouth.
‘I believe that this team can do it and Jim can take us to the Premier League but it’s just not ours by right and we will have to continue to strive to be at our best to be promoted.
‘As I have previously stated, I am here for the long-term. So let’s not pre-judge the situation and let’s see where we are at the end of the season. In the meantime, Jim and I have an agreement that if Jose Mourinho or Arsene Wenger want to move to Suffolk he will step aside gracefully! Otherwise all of us should back someone who has a passion for this club and who will do his utmost to achieve our ambitions.
‘Thanks as always for your support of this football club. We all have one goal, to see this club back in the Premier League.
‘Together I am sure we will get there.’
Marcus Evans
It’s all down to Jim and the boys to perform now. Come on lads, get a win at Forest and the season is still alive.
