Just as the saying goes, behind every great man stands a woman.

And Ipswich fans will be grateful Colette Magilton gave her approval for husband Jim to make his move to Portman Road permanent.

Magilton, 29, took more than a week to make his mind up to sign a four year deal from Sheffield Wednesday in a £1 million move.

Ipswich will pay an initial fee of £682,500, moving up to £1million depending on appearances.

Magilton said: "The deciding factor was my wife saying yes. It was a big decision for me, that is why I took so much time.

"The most important thing for me is my wife and family and it had to be right for them."

Magilton currently lives in Chesterfield with wife Colette and three-year-old son Adam. Blues boss George Burley was clearly delighted at finally netting his man.

He said: "It is a big investment for the club and I'm delighted Jim has signed. He is one of the best passer of the ball the club has ever had. And I include the years when I played in the 1970s and 80s.

"During his loan period he has been a great inspiration. He is a great character, popular in the dressing room and will be vital in the last eight games in our push towards the Premiership."

Magilton has won 42 caps for Northern Ireland and is on stand by to join the squad that plays Germany in Belfast this Saturday.

He said: "Playing for my country has always been important to me. It tells me what a good player I am. I have played against some of the best players in the world and I miss that.

"But you have to be playing at club level to get an international chance and I recognise that.

"Hopefully I can do well with Ipswich, get called up again and get 50 caps."

Magilton joined Sheffield Wednesday from Southampton for £1.6 million in September 1997 but managed only 21 appearances and one goal.

In 11 on loan games for Ipswich he has already scored once, against Huddersfield.

The Ipswich v Stockport County game has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 20. The game was postponed due to international commitments.

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