By Aston
October 9 2004

Ipswich Town manager Joe Royle has called Ipswich club captain Jim Magilton “the best midfielder outside the Premiership”.

Joe: No One Better Then Jim

Ipswich Town manager Joe Royle has called Ipswich club captain Jim Magilton “the best midfielder outside the Premiership”.

Royle’s comments come as a surprise to a lot of Town fans who simply believe Jim is past it and should not be playing at Portman Road at all let alone be the captain.

But Royle has said: “Jim has been absolutely terrific for me from day one. When I came to the club he was on a free transfer and the first thing I did was tell him that was no longer the case.

“I wanted Jim in my team and I told him so - and since then we haven't looked back.

“Some people may see it differently, but in my view Jim is the best midfielder in this division. There is no one better outside the Premiership.

“Every game we play, the opposing manager is complimentary about Jim. They acknowledge what an important player he is to Ipswich and wish they had him on their side.

“I have never regretted my decision to stick with Jim and since I made him my captain he has totally repaid me.”.

The fans that believe Jim has had his day they can maybe take some comfort from the fact he is 35 and his contract expires at the end of the season and if the other managers are so “ complimentary about Jim. They acknowledge what an important player he is to Ipswich and wish they had him on their side.” maybe one of them will make a move for him nearer the time.

Source: Evening Star.

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