St Mirren boss Jack Ross is reportedly set to hold talks with the Blues for a second time today.

According to the Daily Record, Ross will meet with Town again today having initially spoken to owner Marcus Evans last week.

As reported by TWTD yesterday, they similarly understand Ross and Shrewsbury manager Paul Hurst are now the only two contenders to take over at Portman Road.

While Ross greatly impressed Evans at their previous meeting, Town remain keen to speak to Hurst, but talks won’t take place with the former Ilkeston, Boston and Grimsby boss until after Shrewsbury’s League One play-off final against Rotherham a week on Sunday.

In his recent interview with iFollow, Evans said he expected to make the appointment late in May or in early June and that remains his timetable as things stand.

However, it’s not impossible that that could change if Evans becomes convinced that Ross is the man to succeed Mick McCarthy prior to Hurst being in a position to discuss the role.

Ross is an increasingly strong favourite to take over at Town, now at 3-1 odds-on with Bet Victor, with Hurst at 6-1 and Tim Sherwood, who was also interviewed, at 16-1.

Scott Parker, another of those interviewed by Evans, and Simon Grayson are at 20-1, while George Burley, Graham Potter, Paul Cook, John McGreal, Mark Warburton, who is the 13-8 favourite for the Bradford job, Shefki Kuqi, who wasn’t interviewed by despite applying, and Tony Mowbray are all at 25-1.

Photo: Allan Picken

FinnishBlue added 13:14 - May 17 Evans could save some money with Ross. He can wear Joe Royle's old jackets without labeling them again.
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Kropotkin123 added 13:26 - May 17 We don't know, to my knowledge, the process for the first and second stage interviews. The first stage could have been a 30min telephone interview, whereby certain discussions were made to see if the candidate fits within the general ethos and direction of the club, as well as getting on with each other in a professional capacity. This is sensible, as it cuts out both parties wasting their time. In the second stage, both parties can meet face to face and go into far more detail about the role, pushing to see what is flexible and what isn't. Running the club is more than just, do you play positive football? and are you prepared to work within the budget of the club. I also don't think it is an issue or should be interpreted negatively by Ross, as the interview process would or should have been outlined clearly from the start.

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TJS added 13:26 - May 17 Pretty happy with either Ross or Hurst. Hopefully one will be in place in the next two weeks. Club should stick £50.00 on the early bird price and leave it open over the summer. Let's try and build some enthusiasm and optimism for once. You never know a good World Cup for England could also give numbers a little bounce.
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bobble added 13:33 - May 17 ......................................?
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lightingblue added 13:38 - May 17 If we are looking at possibly going Scottish, then that Sturgeon bird it is then. That'll solve the going independent problem im sure.
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Ardentitfc1978 added 14:12 - May 17 Lets make it a magical week for me. A new Malaysia government and now a new ITFC manager !!!
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wayway added 14:16 - May 17 For all those saying the Scottish Championship is poor quality football, ours has not been too clever the last 3 years under Boring Billy
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terryf added 14:18 - May 17 Old Blue you are spot on. My good lady was made redundant in November and has spent the last 6 months jumping through hoops, presentations and 2nd interviews and has just landed a job, which she loves, this month. If I was ME after the previous disasters I would be busting a gut to get it right. I've got a feeling that this time he will.
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Taricco_Fan added 14:19 - May 17 I'm really torn over Ross and Hurst which is great as I like the idea of either man being the new Town boss. A win-win situation if it really is down to these two.
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Edmundo added 14:20 - May 17 OK , honest answers here: who even thought of Ross over a month ago? Typical Town, left field thinking. I love it. Let's set up for a promotion push. Aim for 3points EVERY game.
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Cloddyseedbed added 14:47 - May 17 My dear ole dad used to say,"those who hesitate are lost". In the transfer market how may players have we lost by dilly dallying. This man is the perfect fit for ITFC. Get the deal done and give him time to turn this club around. I'm very confident he can. He's young, ambitious and used to getting the best out of players on a limited budget. He plays attacking exciting football too. Don't mess this one up, please.

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austractor added 14:54 - May 17 2nd interview (assuming true), I think he has the job. Kind of makes sense too if he impressed in the first one. Evans would risk losing him if he said "i think your good but i have to wait incase this other bloke is good too..". Keep in mind Hurst (if promoted) may not even talk to us and that would be 2 weeks wasted. I would rather take punt on Ross.
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toxtethblue added 15:31 - May 17 If Ross falls through because Evans is too tight and won't guarantee minimal funds to him then any other fans would be up for a lynching! Most of you would all be good for another 10 years though cos Evans answered some of his own questions and showed us his kids!!
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Monkey_Blue added 15:40 - May 17 No mystery about a second interview. Most roles I've interviewed for have at least two stages and maybe 3. Ok, it's not for stacking shelves, but the more important the job is to a company the more interview stages: if my experience is anything to go by he'll be doing a PowerPoint presentation to the board today 😂😂😂
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 15:56 - May 17 A second interview is a positive step from an interviewee's point of view, surely. It means you have reached the stage where the best options have been narrowed down. It doesn't mean you will definitely get the job, but it does mean you have a damn good chance.
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Swn98 added 16:40 - May 17 Roll on next season with a new manager in place im getting fed up reading all this speculation.
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jakeyboy26 added 16:42 - May 17 My dad's friend lives in Scotland and has said it seems increasingly likely he will join Town. Also, can't see Hurst leaving Shrewsbury if they go up. Don't care how long it takes, just get a decent manager in and spell the start of a new era COYB
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Jesney_Havoc added 16:44 - May 17 Ross da boss
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dirtydingusmagee added 16:52 - May 17 Monkey Blue he is not looking to be the electrician, and looking after the floodlights ,.
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dirtydingusmagee added 16:54 - May 17 Swn98 , hows Mick getting on ?
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toxtethblue added 16:56 - May 17 Don't forget interviewer and interviewee both have active decisions to make. Just because he is offered it doesn't mean he'll take it. Let's hope he does. If he doesn't it will be down to penny pinching.
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happybeingblue added 17:20 - May 17 lets be honest without wanting to sound arrogant ,Paul hurst or Jack ross will jump at the chance of joining itfc we are a great step up with wonderful traditions,look at the 2 statues outside our ground for starters...wonder if we have interviewed Gary white something about that fella that definetly impresses as he obviuosly knows how to coach average players into something a lot better

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FromIpswichToPhoenix added 17:33 - May 17 Hurst or Ross. I'm good with either one. Onward and upwards!
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WoodfordTim added 17:44 - May 17 I really like the way this guy has come over so well in interviews and how highly people speak of him. A real breath of fresh air from what we have had to put up with. Really excited about this potential appointment. Hope it happens. The wait is doing me in!!!
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MickMillsTash added 18:11 - May 17 The interview will be multiple choice situational based. You have just gone 1-0 up away to your local rivals. Do you:- A. start a 15 man pile on in the centre circle celebrating B. Tell your defence to concentrate, hit corner flags C. Tell your own fans to F off You are a fat scouser managing a team away at Barnsley. Do you:- A. Moan that you can't sign players because Ipswich is too far from anywhere B. Pay Nathan Ellington left mid C. Sign another Scouser who bottles a bouncer whilst on a night out with his pregnant partner D. All of the above

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