St Mirren’s Jack Ross and Shrewsbury’s Paul Hurst remain the leading contenders to take charge at Portman Road with former England skipper Frank Lampard no longer in the running, TWTD understands.

As we revealed at the end of last week, Lampard met with Marcus Evans on Friday for a second time and impressed the Blues owner with what he had to say, however, it emerged that the two parties were some distance apart when prospective personal terms were discussed.

Ross was also interviewed for a second time by Evans last week and continues to be the bookies’ favourite, now at evens with Bet Victor.

We understand that reports claiming Sunderland are showing strong interest in the 41-year-old are speculative as things stand, while St Mirren still hope to keep hold of the man who took them to the Scottish Championship title by 12 points.

The Buddies are believed to have offered Ross, who is currently contracted until the summer of 2020, an improved deal in order to tempt him to stay in Paisley, however, they wouldn’t be able to match the terms on offer at Portman Road.

It’s believed that the former defender, who is now away on holiday, will take the Town job if it is offered to him.

Hurst, 43, has been high up Evans’s list of potential new managers since it was decided former boss Mick McCarthy would be moving on back in late March.

Formal talks with the one-time Ilkeston, Boston and Grimsby manager are expected to follow Sunday’s League One play-off final, in which the Shrews take on Blues right-back Josh Emmanuel’s loan club Rotherham at Wembley, whether the Shropshire club win promotion to the Championship or otherwise. It's understood the Blues have been given a strong indication Hurst would be interested in the position.

Hurst is currently the third-favourite to take over at Town at 8-1 with Lampard ahead of him at 2-1.

Behind those three, Scott Parker and Tim Sherwood, who have both been interviewed, are at 20-1 along with Simon Grayson, while George Burley, Östersunds boss Graham Potter, John McGreal, Mark Warburton, Paul Cook, Shefki Kuqi and Tony Mowbray are all at 25-1.

In April Evans said he expected to name the Blues' new manager in late May or early June and that remains his timescale with an announcement next week appearing increasingly likely.

Photos: Action Images/Allan Picken

itfcitk added 15:58 - May 22 Expect a manager to be named before the end of the week.
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horsehollerer added 16:01 - May 22 It seems as if Marcus has completely nailed this search so far, every step of the way. We're almost there. I honestly don't care which one of the two we get. I'd be delighted with either. COYB!
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itfcitk added 16:06 - May 22 @horsehollerer Its not Ross or Hurst
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CornardBlue added 16:09 - May 22 Until Evans names his man they are all rumours. like Mark i heard Jim White at lunch time and he is usually in the know.
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markytitfc added 16:12 - May 22 14:12 IPSWICH UPDATE Former England midfielder Frank Lampard is on a list of candidates to succeed Mick McCarthy as Ipswich manager, according to Sky sources. Lampard, who was in Milan for Andrea Pirlo's testimonial last night, has been interviewed by Ipswich owner Marcus Evans. Shrewbury's Paul Hurst and St Mirren's Jack Ross are other contenders.
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Lathers added 16:18 - May 22 I didn't realise that we hiring a Manager on a budget too! If we can afford him then it's Hurst for me as he has done well in English league football. If Hurst says no then leave BK in charge until we find someone suitable. Ross has managed St Mirren which is a similar standard to Sunday league pub football so I don't see how he is such a good option for us?
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itfcitk added 16:20 - May 22 Lampard rejected the role due to "Personal terms"
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warktheline added 16:28 - May 22 Still believe Burley and Butcher could offer a positive impact on a club currently in the 'pastures'. The dismissive attitude on here is unjust, whoever eventually takes the role will know plenty of hard work lies ahead! COYB
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warktheline added 16:38 - May 22 May also add Evans undoubtedly feels threatened by the club's 'past history' thus the chances of anybody with such connections to past 'successes' of re entering the fold is extremely unlikely !!!!
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pazzy added 16:52 - May 22 warburton seen in morrisons at lunch time but would we give him enough dough for the job
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Taricco_Fan added 17:25 - May 22 From what I understand, Lampard was never a serious candidate as far as the club is concerned. More a case of Uncle 'Arry trying to put a word in. Hurst was always the front-runner. This isn't a club for a novice manager. We've been making a net profit on transfers under McCarthy, such is the lack of funds available. An up-and-coming manager with good knowledge of lower league talent is what we need. Hurst and Ross fit the bill.

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baxter7 added 17:37 - May 22 I can honestly see us losing out on both Ross and Hurst or have we already got a manager here who is not renewing contracts on some players and Evans is keeping it quiet
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happybeingblue added 17:37 - May 22 slaven bilic anyone :)
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RedDust added 17:39 - May 22 Isn't there quite a big experience gap between these two managers? Hurst has way more time and consistent success we're as Ross has only a season and a half success so I'm lead to believe?
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itfcgene added 17:51 - May 22 We'll find out next week it seems. Can't wait! Either Ross or Hurst will be tickety-boo. I wonder what personal terms meant. A bit of a tease TWTD...
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Seasider added 18:00 - May 22 Pity about Lampard;but cant be to scornful as don't know facts. Would have preferred him but seems he is not keen enough on us to come to agreement.
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Kulturarv added 18:03 - May 22 Ross, Hurst or Potter. I'll be fine with anyone of these three.
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jas0999 added 18:11 - May 22 We need to move away from the Burley idea. Never a good idea to go back. We need to look to the future and Burlsy isn't that. He has had his time at the club. I'm not surprised that La,pard has huge wave demands. It's not worth it for an unproven managager. In fact, no experience. I'd be happy with either Hurst or Ross. I do think it's a big risk to wait though. If Sunderland or another club were to snap up Ross, we'd be putting all eggs in one basket. What happens if Hurst opted against joining us? Simon Grayson ... Let's get something sorted.

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WestSussexBlue added 18:38 - May 22 Very presumptions some of you lot re Lampard. I'm lucky enough to have met him, he comes across as a very genuine and humble guy. I am sure at this stage he may feel being manager of Town would be a sizeable risk for both parties.
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Jonnosdreadlocks added 19:13 - May 22 What's this ridiculous 'trendy' attitude we must have a 'young lower league manager' like Ross or Hurst, Why???. Neither have experience of managing a club of ITFC's stature and appointing either one is cheap, unambitious and will see more John Duncan than Bobby Robson type results. Burley on a 2 year deal perfect answer.
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Swn98 added 19:15 - May 22 This whole saga really is a disgrace to the credibility of TWTD just give it a rest until someone is appointed the more this drags on the more those immortal words Be Careful what you wish for ring in my ears.
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Swn98 added 19:19 - May 22 Roy Keane, who completely underestimated the challenge of managing Town. Harry from Bath as usual spot on Expectation greater than the resources available to deliver.
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Swn98 added 19:23 - May 22 Just a side line would be nice to hear what Bluebores opinion of the on going managerial saga is especially as he was he most vociferous in getting rid of our last manager.
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toxtethblue added 19:30 - May 22 The more someone continues to repeat the immensely annoying and small minded phrase " be careful what you wish for" ad nauseum, the more I think what a tool...
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warktheline added 20:09 - May 22 Swn, what a bitter twisted fool you are! Nowt positive from you for ever and a day! Try enjoying your summer and come back 'happy'!
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