TWTD understands that former Blues coach Bryan Klug is being lined-up for a return to Portman Road. Stalwart Klug was controversially axed by former boss Roy Keane in January 2010 and is currently the assistant director and head of player development at Tottenham’s Academy.
Klug was Town’s assistant boss under Jim Magilton until John Gorman’s appointment, when he moved into a head of football development role, and was taking charge of the reserves at the time of his Portman Road exit.
The 51-year-old was a youth player with the Blues between 1977 and 1983 but failed to make a senior appearance, moving on to Wimbledon (loan), Chesterfield and Peterborough United and then into non-league football.
Klug returned to Portman Road in 1987, joining the coaching staff and in 1998 became the director of the newly formed Academy in an era during which Kieron Dyer, Richard Wright, James Scowcroft, Titus Bramble and others emerged.
In 2005 Klug, who has also had spells as caretaker-manager of the Blues, led the Academy to the club’s third FA Youth Cup before becoming Magilton’s assistant a year later, shortly after Newcastle United had approached him to run their Academy.
The EPPP developments which come into effect next season will see a shake-up at Academy and reserve levels across the board and the Blues will be required to appoint additional full-time coaches whether they opt for a Category One or Category Two youth set-up.
Meanwhile, one of the Sunday tabloids reports that Blues striker Jason Scotland has turned down the chance to join Bristol City on loan.
Scotland will trigger an additional year on his contract at his current wages if he makes another three league starts before the end of the season.