John The (Gor)Man?

Perhaps in response to criticism over the current management, Town have announced the return of John Gorman to the club as Assistant Manager. Could he bring about a similar up-turn in fortunes to that which coincided with his previous arrival at the club?

The appointment of an experienced assistant manager will be viewed by many as an admission by either the current manager or the current owner, that the existing staff are not sufficiently equipped to manage the football club.

Clearly, employing new staff does indicate an area of the club is deficient. But an admission that more experience and knowledge is required is not necessarily an admittance of failure.

Back in the summer of 2006, when Jim Magilton and Bryan Klug were unveiled as the clubs new management team, Magilton spoke of the need to bring in an experienced man to work alongside him in a role dubbed "Director of Football".

As time passed and finances continued to dictate, the idea appeared to have disappeared. Money spend on further coaching staff could equally be spent on players.

Until now. With resources no longer such a pressing concern, Magilton has taken the opportunity to employ that experienced assistance he spoke of back in 2006.

Gorman has coached the very best players at the very highest level during his time with England. For all that has been made of Glenn Hoddles coaching methods, the style of football and intelligent approach to tactics employed during those spells are beyond question.

More importantly, he has also worked at Portman Road before. His methods are known, his mentality is known, his approach is known. He will slot in comfortably alongside the existing management team and cannot fail to add knowledge and experience. He could turn out to be Jim Magiltons most important signing as manager.