Town coach Tony Mowbray is reported to have been interviewed for the vacant manager's job at Second Division Hartlepool United. Released Blues' defender Mark Venus is being suggested as his likely deputy.

It is well known that Mowbray wants to become a manager with Joe Royle recently saying that the club wouldn't stand in his way if he wanted to leave, despite the offer of a new one-year contract.

As well as a possible return to the club where he started his career, Venus is reportedly interesting Peterborough and Cambridge.

Former Town boss George Burley may also want to take him to Derby depending on their financial situation. Burley rates his signing of Venus from Wolves as amongst his best and may well feel that he has another year of Division One football in him.

The 36-year-old had an injury-hit 2002/03 at Town and was not offered a new contract at Portman Road.

Mowbray faces competition for the Pools job from his old Boro comrade Gary Pallister and numerous others. Chairman Ken Hodcroft says he is not rushing into an appointment: "We will be looking to make an appointment within the next two weeks.

"I realise that the fans are anxious for us to name the new manager, but we need to be comfortable with the final decision. It is an important stage of the club's Second Division future."

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls