Town have confirmed that Bryan Klug has moved into a newly created head of football development role. Klug has been first team coach since Jim Magilton took over as manager but was understood to be taking on a new job in the wake of John Gorman's appointment as assistant manager.
Chief executive Derek Bowden told the club site that the move is the result of an assessment of the coaching set-up: "The decision to create this important role has come at the end of an extensive evaluation of the football side of the club by the senior management.
"Bryan's role will mean he will oversee coaching development; scouting and fitness from first team right down to the moment young players are invited to join Ipswich Town."
Klug says he is happy to be switching roles: "This move is right for me and for the club. Jim has brought John Gorman in to support him as assistant manager and I am delighted to be able to work with them and others to help achieve the aim of everyone at Ipswich Town - namely promotion to the Premier League.
"I am excited by the new job brief which will help further build the link between the first team squad and the academy.
"As part of my role, I will be responsible for providing a clear plan for developing the potential of all players who join this club, whether they be first team professionals or young players at the start of their career."
Manager Jim Magilton says the club will gain from the switch: "It is well known that Bryan is considered to be one of the most respected development coaches in British football. I believe this new role will see all players benefit from the professional individual support system that he will introduce."
Meanwhile, Reading are now reported to be leading the chase for ex-Town defender Hermann Hreidarsson.