Joe Royle is the latest name we understand to have been in contact with Town over the vacant management position. Former Manchester City boss Royle has been out of a job since leaving Maine Road last summer.

While Peter Reid has been the most prominent manager talked to by Town it appears that the Blues have been speaking (or trying to speak to) several bosses, perhaps sounded out a few options before the big decision is finally made.

Leicester manager Micky Adams said last week that Town had been denied permission to speak to him by his club, while it remains unclear whether Town did eventually make an approach to Rotherham regarding Ronnie Moore.

Even if they did the Millers have made Moore aware that they would not allow him to talk to Town, something unlikely to please the former Tranmere boss.

Plymouth have also said they won't allow their manager Paul Sturrock to have contact with Town, although there is no confirmation of any Blues interest in the ex-Dundee United man.

Bryan Robson still appears to be in the frame but is also being linked with the vacant Stoke manager's job while Bruce Rioch and Bryan Hamilton seem to have drifted into the background.

Former players Terry Butcher and Brian Talbot have both denied any interest in the job and at present caretaker-manager Tony Mowbray appears to be the only other serious contender for the job.

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