It looks increasingly likely that Joe Royle is already the new Town manager in all but name. Reports in a national newspaper today tend agree with what TWTD has been hearing over the last day or so, with the former Oldham boss's official appointment looking on the cards early this week.

Royle became favourite for the job after TWTD broke the story that Town were in talks him earlier this week. Subsequently a number of large bets were placed on him leading to a suspicion that someone somewhere knew that a decision had been taken. The ex-Manchester City manager is apparently due to meet with the Town board tomorrow, a meeting that looks increasingly likely to be the one where he signs on the dotted line.

Earlier TWTD had reported that Peter Reid was the man who had got the job. Our understanding now is that Town's attempt to lure him to Portman Road failed at an advanced stage after the former Sunderland boss wanted to make a clean sweep of the coaching staff, something the Blues' board would not agree to.

As reported earlier, Royle's assistant at Manchester City, Willie Donachie, looks as if he will leave Sheffield Wednesday and join him at Town. Royle's name in the frame has failed to impress supporters with most feeling a younger manager who has done well at a lower division club would be more in keeping with Town's tradition.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls