There’s certainly no shortage of contenders for the vacant manager’s job at Ipswich following Paul Jewell’s departure this week.
The Tractor Boys may be propping up the Championship after a disastrous run which ultimately led to Jewell’s exit, but the Portman Road hot seat is still viewed as a highly prestigious position.
The early leader, according to most bookies, is former Charlton and West Ham boss Curbishley who has been out of management for three years.
Local sources suggest Curbs is the fans’ choice, but he has plenty of rivals for the role Ipswich chiefs are giving serious consideration to.
Jewell left the Suffolk club by mutual consent on Wednesday after Tuesday night's third consecutive loss against his former club Derby.
Chief Executive Simon Clegg revealed that the club was already weighing up their options before Town’s winless run was extended to ten games.
"I don't want to give too much away at this moment in time but we do realise that the next appointment is a very important one for us," he said.
"We need to get it right and we need to de-risk that process by ensuring that whoever we bring on board we are absolutely confident that they have the skills, the experience, the ability, the drive and the motivation to take us to where we want to go to.
"In the short-term we're looking for someone who is going to be able to get us out of the hole that we're in.”
Another former West Ham manager, Harry Redknapp, is also in the frame although taking charge of a club bottom of the Championship may not appeal.
Established managers Owen Coyle and Mick McCarthy figure strongly in the early betting, along with the likes of Alex McLeish, Paul Ince, Phil Brown and Steve Kean.
Former England boss Glenn Hoddle also gets a mention, but it’s hard to see Ipswich turning back to former managers Jim Magilton and Roy Keane, despite suggestions to the contrary.
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Source: DSG
