Gunn shocked as Town axe Jim

City boss Bryan Gunn has spoken of his shock at the sacking of Ipswich Town manager Jim Magilton.

Town today announced that Magilton and assistant John Gorman had been axed - just 24 hours after they revealed that British Olympic Association chief Simon Clegg was to be their new chief executive.

Gunn, whose team were beaten 3-2 at Portman Road on Sunday in what proved to be Magilton's last match in charge, said: “I was shocked when I heard the news when I came off the training pitch at Colney.

“I'd spent an hour or two after the game with Jim in his company with the Press calls we have to do, so our paths crossed after the match and we shared a drink.

“He was a happy man after the derby victory but he was magnanimous in saying that our team played well enough to get something from the match and he wished us all the best for the rest of the season.”

Former derby opponents, Gunn and Magilton have also enjoyed the odd sporting battle on the golf course.

Said Gunn: “Jim's a good friend of mine in footballing terms and I've already left a message on his answer machine and I look forward to seeing him in the summer for a game of golf.

“I'm devastated he's lost his job. It just shows you what a cut and thrust injury we're working in.

“He's going to probably finish in the top half of the table but that's obviously not good enough. It just shows you the demands on Championship managers in this day.”

City midfielder Darel Russell said he admired Magilton and enjoyed their on-field tussles in seasons past.

He said: “I like Jim. I think he was a good footballer and I don't think he was a bad manager either. I don't think he's done too much wrong. I got on well with him as a player, had a good few battles with him as a player and enjoyed every one of them and I'm disappointed for him and surprised they've done it so soon after they beat us in a big game, one of the biggest games of the season.

“But they've parted company and I wish him all the best in the future.”