The race for the job as Town manager now appears to have just three runners, caretaker-manager Tony Mowbray, Joe Royle and one other candidate. Both Royle and Mowbray have made it clear they want the job while the number of fellow contenders has gradually been reduced.

The suggestion that former Manchester City and Oldham boss Royle might be the new boss hasn't gone down overwhelmingly well with fans, just 4.1% of those voting in our 'which manager would you prefer' poll plumping for the ex-Everton man.

Mowbray's three-game spell as caretaker-manager has not seen any spectacular return to form, however he is understood to be popular with the players. His association with the previous manager may work against him with many fans feeling a complete change is required.

So, who is the third man? There seems no candidate which immediately springs to mind. Bruce Rioch and Bryan Hamilton were touted early on but, like Royle, both would be massively unpopular with supporters.

Rotherham's Ronnie Moore, Plymouth's Paul Sturrock and Leicester's Micky Adams have all been prevented from talking to Town by their clubs with perhaps an up and coming boss of their stature the type of appointment preferred by many Blues' followers.

Peter Reid now appears unlikely to take the job after being approached by Town and seen as the club's first choice and others have ruled themselves out.

Former players Brian Talbot and Terry Butcher were inevitably linked early on but have said that they are happy at their current clubs.

A manager from abroad has been favoured by some with Frenchman Philippe Troussier linked. Roy Hodgson has also been mentioned once or twice, but his large contract with the United Arab Emirates is likely to persuade him to stay in the Middle East.

Innumerable other managers have got a mention here and there but so far with little substance to the reports. It seems the challenger to Royle and Mowbray currently remains a mystery.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls