TWTD has learnt that more than £80,000 has been placed on Joe Royle becoming the new Town manager over the last few hours. Yesterday TWTD reported that Town have been in talks with the former Manchester City boss who is now emerging as the firm favourite for the job.

Early this morning Royle was quoted at 7/4 to succeed George Burley but now his price is down to 1/2. We understand that bets of above £80,000 have been placed with an Internet bookie this morning.

Royle is understood to be keen to get back into management after being sacked from his position at relegated Manchester City in the summer of 2001.

It appears that Town's attempt to lure Peter Reid to Portman Road has failed with Royle, who covered Town matches in Europe for Channel Five last season, the new front-runner.

Should Royle's appointment be confirmed he could bring his former deputy Willie Donachie with him, Donachie is currently coach at Sheffield Wednesday but he and manager Yorath appear to be on the verge of leaving Hillsborough after a poor start to the season.

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