Town chairman David Sheepshanks made an approach for Joe Royle prior to George Burley's sacking, according to the current manager's new autobiography. Royle took over from Burley late in October 2002, just over a fortnight after the Scot had been relieved of his duties.
Burley's sacking came on Friday, 11th October 2002, three days after the Blues were defeated 3-0 at Grimsby Town, a result which had been thought to be the trigger for Sheepshanks and his board deciding it was time to bring in another manager.
However, Royle's book, Joe Royle - The Autobiography, reveals that Sheepshanks had already made an approach via an intermediary for the former Everton boss 24 hours before the Blundell Park loss: "I was taken aside at a match at Old Trafford by Everton chairman Bill Kenwright, who told me that a fellow chairman wanted to know if I was keen to get back to work. I assured him that I was.
"The name of the mystery man was not revealed to me until several days later when I received a call from David Sheepshanks of Ipswich Town."
Manchester United beat Everton 3-0 in that match, which took place on Monday, 7th October, a day before Town's humiliating defeat to the then struggling Mariners. Royle was appointed Town's new manager on Monday, 28th October.
You can buy Joe Royle - The Autobiography here.