Northampton boss Colin Calderwood admitted to knowing little about Town's current position having flown back from a family holiday in Dubai to talk to the Blues earlier today. Town were yesterday given permission to speak to the 41-year-old Scot regarding the Portman Road management position.

Calderwood has not been angling for a move away from Sixfields but agreed to talk to the Blues initially to learn more about the job vacated by Joe Royle a fortnight ago: "I have to say yes because there are lots of pluses, but I know very little about it at the minute.

"There would have to be a bit of investigation and it would depend on what other people had to say about it and what information they could give me.

"I know very little about Ipswich Town and their season because my concentration has been elsewhere.

"They are a Championship club and anyone playing at that level gives you a chance of getting in the Premiership because you're in that league.

"That is an obvious attraction but at the minute I don't see it as a fast road out of Northampton. That's not what I'm looking for."

The former Swindon and Spurs central defender, once red-carded at Portman Road while with Tottenham, is clearly happy with the Cobblers and thinks they can continue to progress after last season's promotion to League One: "There are all sorts of considerations when you go and talk to other clubs, but I think we've got a chance of getting into the next league.

"I want to have another end of season like the one we've just had and at the minute all thoughts are really about doing that with Northampton.

"Something might spring up - and in a sense something already has sprung up - but I haven't been asked to make a decision on anything yet."

Calderwood is expected to meet with chairman David Sheepshanks and chief executive Derek Bowden today to discuss the £300,000-a-year position at Portman Road.

Should Calderwood be named the new Town boss, Northampton would be due compensation understood to be set in his contract - which ends in 2008 - at £125,000.

Elsewhere, Preston chairman Derek Shaw has revealed that Charlton have ended their interest in Lilywhites boss Billy Davies, one of Town's early top targets, having spoken to him earlier in the week: "I have been informed this morning by Charlton Athletic that they are going to move on.

"They will not be pursuing Billy Davies anymore and also said they would like to thank PNE for our co-operation and apologise for any disruption to our club.

"I would like to thank Charlton for their professionalism in this matter, as I feel that everything has been done via the book.

"Billy will be back at Deepdale today continuing with his preparations for next season."

The Addicks are also expected to speak to former Crystal Palace boss Iain Dowie and like Town have been refused permission to talk to Colchester manager Phil Parkinson.

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