Glenn Hoddle has been installed as the early favourite to take over as Ipswich boss after ex-Saint Jim Magilton was sacked.

Magilton was appointed in June 2006 and after being handed £12m to spend on players by new owner Marcus Evans was expected to challenge for promotion this season.

However, despite beating deadly rivals Norwich 3-2 on Sunday, Ipswich are marooned in midtable, some 12 points adrift of the top six.

Magilton had been under fire from Ipswich fans for the majority of the season after a lack of progress on the field despite spending heavily on new players like David Norris, Jon Stead and Veliche Shumulikoski.

In a statement Evans said: “Today is a sad day for me.

“I have enjoyed working with Jim over the past 15 months and no one has worked harder to bring success to Ipswich Town in that time.

“Jim has a passion for the club but unfortunately we have not made the progress both he and I expected this season.

“I would like to put on record my thanks for his commitment to this Football Club and wish him every success for the future.”

Assistant manager John Gorman, who arrived to help Magilton at the end of January, has also left Portman Road.

No announcement has yet been made over who will take charge of the final two games of the season while Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock has also been linked with the post.