Pickover: 'If Jim is ravenous, Marcus is starving...'

AT the end of the 2007/8 Championship season in May, when Ipswich Town missed a play-off berth by a whisker, manager Jim Magilton took to the pitch to tell fans he was "ravenous for success."

After Saturday's dismal opening day performance - a 1-2 home defeat by an, at best, competent Preston North End side (relegation strugglers last season) - Jim's hunger was matched by the bitter disappointment of home fans who had seen an early lead thrown away.

The manager, who still has much to learn, in this season ticket-holder's book, must have been bitterly frustrated at the afternoon's turn of events.

Watching owner Marcus Evans, a man who will expect success this season or who will move in to change things, saw defeat in the first match Town players has worn his name on their shirts.

If Jim is ravenous, Marcus is starving - after all it is his millions which are bank-rolling Town's push for the Premiership ... and he will not want a poor start to the season.

Clearly, this is one match in a long season, and Town fans should be patient as they look ahead to the Autumn. A week is a long time in football and there could be smiles by Saturday night if Burnley are beaten in Lancashire.

Only football managers know the ultimate pain of defeat, on an opening day of the season, at home, when traditionally there is so much expectation in the air. While that angst is all consuming, in the moments after the final whistle, microphones and TV cameras are shoved in the face of the boss.

This happened to Jim Magilton on Saturday - and he made the instant comment that this was a "wake up" call.

Wake up call? On the opening day of the season?

After holidays, good rests, excellent training, and new signings, the last thing the players should need is a wake-up call.

My view is that Jim needs to be ravenous and ruthless this season - and ring the changes if well-paid professionals need waking up. Otherwise the alarm call will be ringing much closer to home.

Posted By: Lol Morgan, Aug 15, 12:34:33