Strong start is vital for Magilton

7:08am Wednesday 18th June 2008

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Jim Magilton has underlined the importance of making a strong start to the new Coca-Cola Championship season.

The Ipswich Town boss wants his side to begin with a vengeance when the campaign gets under way on August 9.

The fixtures were released on Monday and the Blues kick-off with a home game against Preston North End, followed by a long trip to Burnley.

Looking ahead to the season - his third in the managerial hot-seat - Magilton told the Gazette: "It's always good to start at home and we'll enjoy the carnival atmosphere we get at Portman Road.

"From our point of view it's about hitting the ground running and making a strong start is massively important.

"We've got some tough games early on but in many ways it's good to play the stronger sides and get matches against them out of the way.

"We're looking forward to the challenge and will be hoping to build up some momentum as soon as possible."

Town - now boosted by the financial spending power of owner Marcus Evans - have been linked with numerous players as they shape a squad capable of winning promotion to the Premier League.

Word is that they are close to signing Gareth McAuley from Leicester City, having had three bids for the central defender turned down in January.

According to reports, a £1.5 million bid has now been accepted and Magilton said: "Until the player is here in front of me I'd rather not comment, although I think he could do a job for us.

"It's a case of watching this space. We need one or two more lads with experience."

McAuley joined Leicester on a free transfer from Lincoln in the summer of 2006.

Capped ten times by Northern Ireland, he signed a new contract at Leicester in February aimed at keeping him at the Walkers Stadium until 2011.

However, it is rumoured that a clause in that deal allowed him to leave for a fee at a pre-agreed level, now that Leicester have been relegated to League One.

A host of other players have been linked to Portman Road and Magilton added: "I understand speculation is part and parcel of football - there's a pressure on the media to come up with stories - and I can't stop it.

"There's an element of truth to some of the stories while others are pure fantasy and pie in the sky."

Another report has suggested Town are preparing a £1.75 million bid for Cardiff City defender Roger Johnson.

A fortnight ago Cardiff claimed they had turned down a £1 million offer, but Ipswich said they had merely made an enquiry.

Released Ipswich defender Sito could join Southend United.

Shrimpers boss Steve Tilson has made an enquiry about the Spaniard and said: "He's a decent player and we've spoken to he's agent.

"We have a few options in that area though so I'm not sure what's going happen."