Magilton feels sharp end of the business

Ipswich manager Jim Magilton has, like others, discovered that being hero-worshipped as a former inspirational player and skipper soon turns to disenchantment when you fail to meet expectations at the sharp end of the football business.

A double strike by fleet-footed, summer signing Kevin Lisbie - in the 12th and 65th minutes - were perfect ripostes to Coventry goals by Clinton Morrison after just 36 seconds and Freddy Eastwood in the 56th minute.

Lisbie said: 'There has been a lot of negative stuff around the club and I cannot understand why. We're not that far off the play-offs and there's still half the season to go.'

Coventry boss Chris Coleman faces similar flak from his fans. At least £1.5million striker Eastwood finally broke his home 'duck'.

He said: 'At times I thought I'd never score in this place and the goal posts seemed to be starting to shrink.

'Hopefully, the pressure is off me a little now and I'd like to thank the manager for his patience.

Ray Matts (Daily Mail)