Town have been granted permission to speak to St Mirren manager Jack Ross as owner Marcus Evans continues his search for the Blues new boss. Ross, who was initially reported to be on Town’s radar in early April, is set to be interviewed by Evans next week.
The 41-year-old, who turned down the chance to manage Barnsley after the Tykes were given permission to hold talks in February, took charge at St Mirren in January 2017 and saved them from relegation.
This season Falkirk-born Ross took the Buddies to the Scottish Championship title by 12 points and was recently named the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year.
The one-time Hartlepool, Falkirk, St Mirren and Hamilton Academical defender, who won one Scotland B cap during his playing days, began his management career at Alloa in December 2015 having been on the staff at Dumbarton, where he was assistant manager, and then Hearts.
Ross (right) during his playing days with the Buddies
After failing to prevent the Wasps from being relegated into Scottish League One in his first half-season, Ross subsequently took them on a club record 10-game winning run the following campaign prior to his move to his current club.
TWTD understands Blues owner Evans began interviewing candidates last week - when former Tottenham and Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood was among those spoken to - and he has continued that process this week.
Evans has said he expects to name the successor to Mick McCarthy in late May or early June.
Meanwhile, Town fans can run the rule over another of the contenders to take over at Portman Road, Paul Hurst, when his Shrewsbury side take on Charlton in the first leg of the League One play-offs at the Valley this evening (Sky Sports Football 7.30pm).