Former Ipswich and QPR boss Jim Magilton is helping Shamrock Rovers plot the downfall of Tottenham as he seeks a return to management.
Ex-Ipswich boss playing his part in Shamrock's Euro adventure
Former Ipswich and QPR boss Jim Magilton is helping Shamrock Rovers plot the downfall of Tottenham in the Europa League as he seeks a return to management.
Magilton is currently interim assistant manager at Shamrock Rovers as a favour to old pal and former Northern Ireland team-mate Michael O'Neill.
The pair have masterminded Rovers' European fairytale this season with the League of Ireland Premier Division champions becoming the first Irish side to reach the group stages of a European competition with a famous win over Partizan Belgrade.
Magilton, whose last management role was at QPR in 2009, admits the stint with Shamrock Rovers has whetted his appetite to get back into management.
"The role with Shamrock Rovers came out of the blue really as Michael [O'Neill] came to me and asked me if I would help him as his former assistant had left the club," Magilton told
skysports.com.
"We have known each other for 30 years and we trust each other and things have gone well so far.
"Helping out Michael at Shamrock Rovers has whetted my appetite to get back into management in my own right.
Pressure
"It has been good to be back in the dressing room and sharing the banter with the players and being involved in big games like these European nights as I have missed that being out of management.
"Being a No.2 is different and it is a very important role, but I have managed at the highest level in the Championship and I enjoy the pressure and the responsibility of being in charge."
"If the right opportunity came up I would be interested in it and if club matches my ambition and has a long-term plan I believe I could be a success as I am confident in my ability."
Magilton is a big admirer of Spurs boss Harry Redknapp and he believes the North London outfit could go all the way in Europe this season.
"I went to watch Spurs against Stoke in the Carling Cup and even though Harry made a number of changes it scared the life out of me the quality they have," added Magilton.
"We know from what Harry and the players have said the Premier League is their priority and they want to get back in the Champions League.
"But if they reach the later stages of the Europa League they could win it as they have real quality players in their squad like (Gareth) Bale, (Rafael) Van der Vaart and (Emmanuel) Adebayor.
Admirer
"Harry is a great manager, with a wealth of experience and he has done a fantastic job at Tottenham.
"I have come up against Harry once when he was in charge of Portsmouth in a FA Cup tie while I was at Ipswich and they won 1-0 but Harry was very complimentary about the way we played and I have always admired the way Harry's teams play the game.
"I am a big admirer of Harry and his management style and he deserves all the success he has had and I wish him all the best for the future except for Thursday."
Magilton insists the whole squad are relishing the chance of pitting their wits against the Premier League stars of Spurs.
"It has been a magnificent achievement for Shamrock Rovers to reach the group stages of the Europa League and everyone is enjoying our adventure in Europe," added Magilton.
"When the draw came out all the lads were buzzing about playing against Spurs and it will be great for them to experience playing in such a great stadium as White Hart Lane.
"We just hope they can rise to the challenge and you never know maybe we will be able to pull off another shock."
