Town boss Joe Royle says he has recommended coach Tony Mowbray for the vacant Blackpool manager's job. Mowbray has long sought a management position of his own, with Royle agreeing to allow him to leave Portman Road should a suitable vacancy become available.

Royle says the former central defender has what it takes to be a boss: "Tony is a first-class coach and has a great way with people and he is admired and respected. No matter what happens here this season he has had fantastic input working with myself and Willie Donachie.

"I would strongly recommend him to Blackpool if they want to take a chance on a young coach.

"If that is what Tony wanted I would back him wholeheartedly, although I would be sorry to see him go."

Former Stoke boss Gudjon Thordason appears to be the current favourite to succeed Steve McMahon, while others reportedly in the frame include Andy Preece, Colin Hendry, Eric Black, Steve Cotterill, Brian Flynn, Brian Horton and Stuart Pearce.

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