Town chairman David Sheepshanks has made a statement regarding the club's continuing search for a new manager. The chairman reiterated that the board will not rush into an appointment.

Sheepshanks told the club site: "I am, of course, aware that there has been a tremendous amount of speculation surrounding our impending decision as to who will succeed George Burley as the next manager of Ipswich Town Football Club.

"We have a reputation for being a club that stands by its managers, in fact since the 1930s we have seen only 10 men take the helm here at Portman Road, a record of stability envied throughout the professional game. It is a reputation that we are determined to maintain by careful and measured consideration.

"As custodians of the club, the board feel, quite rightly, that we must not be forced into a knee-jerk reaction over the decision as to who appoint as manager, particularly at a time when a swift return to the Premier League is paramount to the future of the club.

"All I can tell you at this stage is that the interview and recruitment process is continuing. Tony Mowbray and Bryan Klug are preparing the team for another important game against Gillingham on Saturday and I would ask that all fans show the support for our players.

"I am hopeful that we will be able to make an announcement soon, but only if, as a board, we feel that we have the right man in position to take Ipswich Town Football Club forward and back into the Premiership."

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