Former Town central defender Mark Venus will be offered a playing contract by new Hibernian boss Tony Mowbray if he accepts the position as his assistant. Venus is expected to be confirmed as Mowbray's right-hand man when Mogga returns from holiday later this week.

The offer of an SPL playing contract comes as a big surprise, Venus having finished last season playing in the Nationwide Conference with Dagenham and Redbridge after falling out with the management at Cambridge United.

Venus, now 37, signed for Hornchurch in May and was all set to play in the Ryman League Third Division next season.

Mowbray is not expecting Venus to be a regular for the Hibees but is hoping his experience will rub off on the club's younger defenders.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls