Ipswich chief executive Derek Bowden has admitted that he can understand fans being frustrated by the refusal of owner Marcus Evans to speak publicly.

It is a year since Evans' interest in Town first came to light but he is yet to make himself publicly available.

"It's their club he owns," said Bowden. "They'd like to have a dialogue with him or at least hear from him directly.

"Marcus is a very private individual. He's made it clear he wants to retain his privacy. Fans should respect that."

Bowden added: "I can understand the frustration because, if I were an ordinary fan rather than someone who speaks to him every day, I'd quite like to see him and hear from him directly too.

"But, in the short to medium term, I can't see that happening."

We are not reviewing things after six games or 12 games or 18 games. It's a two to three-year project Ipswich chief executive Derek Bowden on the future of manager Jim Magilton

Ipswich currently lie 17th in the Championship, having won just three of their first 10 games.

But Bowden said that Magilton, who is contracted to the end of next season, remains very much part of the club's long-term planning.

"Marcus has said that there is no time constraint," added Bowden. "We are not reviewing things after six games or 12 games or 18 games.

"It's a two to three-year project and Marcus has been very clear about that.

"We've invested in a side to get ourselves promoted, fully recognising that it may not happen in year one."