Anthony Barry would be an outstanding candidate. He is thought of extremely highly within the game and has had considerable influence alongside Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea. Since taking up his role with the Republic of Ireland nine months ago he has made a huge impact - defeated only once in their last 9 games. The Republic have scored 20 times since Barry's arrival having previously been goalless in 11 hours of football.
Whether he could be persuaded to make the move to Town is questionable. He has allegedly had approaches for managerial jobs from Cardiff, Aberdeen and Tranmere. He is quoted as saying that his best way of developing as a coach is to continue to work with Tuchel, and who could argue with that?

All of these "reports" in the tabloids are total pony. Lennon will not be with us. I doubt anyone, Ashton included, knows who will be in charge in a week's time.
Dear oh dear, what a shambles our club has become. Better off down the Goldstone Ground supporting the women at present: commitment, culture, passion, results.

Liam Manning seems to be getting a lot of nods from all and I have to say he has impressive credentials, MK Dons cut an impressive style on the eye when they were at Portman Road, so it is a very tempting prospect of him and Hoggy returning to Portman Road. What doesn't sit easy with me is that Pete Winkleman went completely left field in this appointment and gave Liam this chance and opportunity. If Bobby Robson had left us every time he had a tempting offer this club would never have achieved this greatness. In that spirit I think Liam owes MK Dons and Pete Winkleman at least a season to repay that faith, and I would hope the young man had the honour and scruples to want to do just that. That's why I favour a Warnock short term project until the end of the season and returning to Manning in the summer.

I agree Anthony Barry would be a good prospect.

Now for those who are quick to dismiss or be derogatory to Neil Lennon, I would say do some more research. Would Celtic have had him back if he been a bad manager. Initially he hauled Bolton off of the bottom of the table when he first went there arresting some rot and took them on an impressive run. Second season it all went wrong with players not being paid and transfer embargo, the deck was truly stacked against him and I think we have to write that out of the equation. Thirdly he was an advocate of 4-2-3-1 but gradually become a more pragmatic manager and found a switch to 3-5-2 led to a change in fortunes at Celtic but then never afraid to change the format to suit the personnel available to him. I have to confess my initial reaction was no thank you to Neil Lennon but scratching under the surface he has risen to my short list. Ok not a personable personality but given limited options if some of the more attractive candidate names show no interest then he might just come in and be a good alternative.

Appleton is a good coach and I would be happy to have him but he recently signed a five year deal with Lincoln and had a spell of cancer, so I am not sure he will entertain a move especially as Lincoln have shown so much faith in him and probably supported him through a difficult spell with his health.

Interesting to hear Mick Mills on radio suffolk last night challenging Frank Lampard to come to Ipswich, believing we both need each other - personally can't see it but interesting to hear Mick's view on this.

Surprised Poyet's name hasn't been mentioned as he has recently become available.

I am not sure I favour a foreign/European manager though in this league, in the Championship yes, but we tried possession based football in this league with Lambert and I am not sure it is overly effective. However, Stendhal has just become available and did a super job with Barnsley in this league getting them promoted. My only reservation is like Cook he is a staunch 4-2-3-1 evangelist and that makes me nervous. But a coach of his quality has to be considered if available and interested. John van den Brom has just left Genk - a very experienced top flight Dutch and Belgium coach, again can't see him coming to League 3 in England but the e name Ipswich Town in Holland still has some gravitas and at this later stage in his career it might just be an interesting and different project that might stimulate an operative of this quality.