Town have been refused permission to speak to Southend manager Steve Tilson. The 39-year-old was always a likely target for the Blues having won back-to-back promotions with the Shrimpers.

Tilson says he was told of the approach by Southend chief Ron Martin: "The chairman informed me that Ipswich wanted to speak to me but they have been turned down.

"It is flattering to be courted by a club like Ipswich, who have a great history in football and are one of the bigger clubs in the Championship.

"And it's good of the chairman to keep me informed of what is happening but I'm very happy at Southend and feel we still have a lot more to achieve at Roots Hall."

Southend are in the process of negotiating contracts with Tilson and assistant Paul Brush which will keep them at Roots Hall until 2010.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls