Big decisions await Town's new arrival
I DON’T know much about the man, but new Ipswich Town chief executive Simon Clegg’s CV makes for impressive reading.
In particular, his successes as British Olympic chief – he oversaw our record medal haul in Beijing – should instil optimism among the Portman Road faithful.
Strong and purposeful leadership is required right now and Clegg appears at first sight to be a man capable of refocusing Town’s bid for a place in the Premier League.
His predecessor Derek Bowden – highly regarded by the supporters’ club and supporters’ trust – carried out a fine job during a hugely difficult period at the club.
Bowden sailed Town through the choppy waters of administration and the subsequent fire sale of the team’s best players. If you need proof of his many qualities, compare Town’s pre-Marcus Evans plight with the likes of Leicester, Leeds and Nottingham Forest, who all floundered after relegation from the top flight.
The new man at Portman Road will need to be bold – big decisions will have to be made.
The biggest of those concerns the future of Jim Magilton, currently enjoying a respite from the recent criticism of his handling of team affairs following Town’s derby day triumph.
How much of a say over Magilton’s future Clegg will have remains to be seen – but the feeling is that Evans, a close friend of the Blues’ chief exec, will leave his new recruit to carry out his job as he sees fit.
Then there is the question of Town’s transfer policy. Will Clegg be involved in negotiations and contract offers? Will Magilton – or whoever is in charge next season – have to go, cap in hand, to the new man when he wants to sign players?
What is clear is that Clegg’s arrival is the dawn of yet another new era for Ipswich Town. Owner Evans is slowly going about his business, installing the key figures he feels will turn around his club’s stuttering fortunes.
First chairman David Sheepshanks had his powers removed, then Bowden was relieved of his duties. Will Magilton be the next sacrifice?
Shrewd businessman Clegg’s appointment may be another move away from the Old Etonian charm traditionally associated with Ipswich – but if it harvests the long-awaited promotion dream, they’ll be no complaints from supporters.