Jim Magilton

Magilton started out at junior club St Oliver Plunkett, under the guidance of Jackie Maxwell, whose long-term association with the club saw him win the BBC NI Unsung Hero award in 2006. Magilton was a gifted midfield player with an exquisite range of passing who represented Northern Ireland 52 times. He played for Distillery, Oxford United, Sheffield Wednesday, and Southampton before ending his playing career after seven and a half years at Ipswich.

Distillery

Magilton started his playing career with Distillery in the Irish League, making his senior debut as a substitute against Newry Town in March 1985, aged just 15.

Liverpool

Magilton served as an apprentice at Liverpool alongside the likes of Steve McManaman and Mike Marsh. He turned professional in 1988 but never made a first team appearance, although he was selected as a (non-playing) substitute in both the 1988 and 1990 Charity Shields. In 1988 Liverpool beat Wimbledon and then two years later shared it with Manchester United in a 1–1 draw, both at Wembley Stadium.

Oxford United

Magilton was transferred to Oxford United in October 1990 at the age of 21 for £200,000. There he made 150 league appearances before moving to Southampton in February 1994.

Southampton

Magilton was Alan Ball's second signing a month after being appointed as Southampton's manager, costing the Saints £600,000. Magilton made his first Saints appearance in a 4–2 victory at The Dell over Liverpool on 14…

Magilton represented Northern Ireland at Under-21 and Under-23 level in 1990, before making his senior debut for his country in 1991. He scored his first goal for his country on 5 February 1991, scoring in a 3–1 friendly win against Poland in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He became a regular player for Northern Ireland, featuring in their 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. He scored his second goal for Northern Ireland in a qualifier against Albania on 9 September 1992, which Northern Ireland won 3–0. He scored in two other qualifiers against Albania and Latvia in other 1994 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches in 1993. He scored his fifth goal for his country on 11 February 1997, scoring in a 3–0 friendly win against Belgium. He was also part of Northern Ireland's 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign in 1997. Magilton was named Northern Ireland captain for a match against Yugoslavia on 16 August 2000. He featured regularly in his country's 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign in 2000 and 2001. Magilton won 52 caps for Northern Ireland during his career, scoring 5 goals.

Ipswich Town

Magilton originally intended to secure a coaching role at another club, but made a tentative approach to the Board at Ipswich to fill the managerial vacancy after Joe Royle's departure prior to the 2006–07 season. Magilton was appointed as Ipswich manager on 5 June 2006, alongside former Academy Director Bryan Klug. Although registered as a player, Magilton stated that he would play no more games for the first team during the 2006–07 season, but hoped to turn out for the reserve side. In May 2007, Magilton was linked with the Northern Ireland manager's job after it was vacated by Lawrie Sanchez, but the ex-international decided against taking the post, due to his lack of experience. In Magilton's first season in charge (2006–07), he led Ipswich to 14th position in the league. Then, in the 2007–08 Season, Magilton lead Town to an 8th-place finish, missing out on the play-offs by a single point. This position was obtained by virtue of Town's excellent home record despite their poor away form. However, despite substantial investment in the squad the team failed to make the play-offs in the 2008–09 season. This led to Magilton being sacked as manager on 22 April 2009.

Queens Park Rangers

On 3 June 2009, Magilton was appointed the Queens Park Rangers manager until June 2011, replacing Paulo Sousa, who was dismissed in April. On 9 December 2009, Magilton was suspended by Queens Park Rangers following an incident at Watford's Vicarage Road. Magilton…

James Magilton was born on 6 May 1969 in Belfast, and attended St. Mary's Christian Brothers' Grammar School.