Boss Jim Magilton has confirmed that Steve McCall will be taking over as the club's new chief scout. Colin Suggett held the position under George Burley and Joe Royle but left the club soon after the Northern Irishman's appointment as manager earlier this month.

Magilton told the club site that he is pleased the 1981 UEFA Cup winner has decided to accept the switch from his previous role as reserve team coach: "Co-ordinating our scouting network is a vital role for this football club and I'm delighted Steve has taken on the job.

"I have always been impressed with the preparation and detail that he put into his research work - whether it be on our players or the opposition - and I'm looking for him to re-energise our scouting system.

"Steve knows what we need from him. We need to be out there searching all over the country and beyond for hungry players that can bring something to this club, whether they are playing in the lower leagues or on the outside at a Premiership club."

McCall rejoined the Blues as the club's South-West scout in 2000 after leaving Torquay where he was assistant manager. A year later he was appointed scouting co-ordinator, taking on a coaching role in the summer of 2002 as Town reduced their scouting network after relegation.

The 45-year-old played 321 times for the Blues, scoring 12 goals, having made his debut in 1979 in the UEFA Cup tie against Norwegians Skeid Oslo. He left Portman Road for Sheffield Wednesday in June 1987 for £300,000 and went on to play for Carlisle, Plymouth (twice, and with whom he was briefly also manager), Torquay and Workington.

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