The present invention is an improved magnet coil former for use in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. The improved magnetic coil former reduces the strength of the magnetic fields generated proximate the coils. This enables the coils to be driven at higher currents. The former consists of a substantially magnetically saturated ferromagnetic material and is arranged such that the compensating coil is magnetically attracted towards the former in a direction radially outward from the axis of the coils thereby reducing the collapsing hoop stress on the compensating coil. The former is made of Iron or other suitable ferromagnetic material. The former facilitates construction of a more compact MRI system.