Ian Holloway and Jim Magilton were the only names to be mentioned by the newspapers in connection with the Town manager's job over the weekend. Holloway is known to have applied, while Magilton had been reported to have ruled himself out of the running.

The ex-Bristol Rovers manager is currently on gardening leave from his position as boss at QPR, but would appear an unlikely choice for the Blues given his previous clubs' style of football.

Magilton, despite his popularity amongst Town supporters, also seems an outsider given his lack of experience, keenness to continue playing for at least another season and planned relocation to the North-West.

If the Blues board are looking at potential bosses with less experience than top targets Billy Davies, Tony Mowbray and Phil Parkinson, they are more likely to consider the likes of Southend's Steve Tilson, Carlisle's Paul Simpson, Scunthorpe's Brian Laws or even Mark Stimson, who resigned as Grays Athletic manager last week after back-to-back FA Trophy victories.

Luton's Mike Newell, another possible contender, has said he is happy at Kenilworth Road, although it is understood that the Hatters board have turned down requests to speak to him from two clubs, one thought to be Derby County, the other possibly Town.

Continuing links with former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill and ex-Charlton manager Alan Curbishley appear utterly unrealistic.

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