TONY Mowbray has narrowly missed out on his first full managerial role after getting down to the last two candidates for the Hartlepool United job, writes Derek Davis.

TONY Mowbray has narrowly missed out on his first full managerial role after getting down to the last two candidates for the Hartlepool United job, writes Derek Davis.

Steve Cotterill is today favourite to be named as Mike Newell's replacement at Victoria Park after pipping the popular Ipswich Town coach.

I understand chairman Ken Hodcroft deliberated for two days after holding interviews in Aberdeen before deciding to go for the more experienced Cotterill, who was sacked by Sunderland last season after quitting the Stoke City job to become Howard Wilkinson's assistant.

Mowbray, who is currently on a course at Warwick University as part of his pro-licence coaching badge, was last night philosophical at missing out on the job back in his native North-East.

He said: "It is one of those things and just not meant to be. I will take a lot from the interview process and be ready when the next opportunity comes along."

Although clearly ambitious, the former Middlesbrough, Celtic and Ipswich favourite has always shown tremendous loyalty to the Portman Road club and will be back to help in the pre-season training, as the Blues squad returns next Wednesday.

He said: "I'm looking forward to it, the first week back is always extra special. Everyone will be buzzing and the banter and talk about the holidays is always exciting."

Mowbray, who was caretaker boss at Ipswich last season between George Burley's sacking and Joe Royle's appointment, has always been up front about his ambition to be No. 1 at the right club.

He said: "Joe is fully aware of the situation and has been very supportive. I enjoy working with him and Willie Donachie and the players. While I'm at Ipswich I will do my best for the club.

"I am looking to get started in management and I will assess the potential of any opportunity that arises and while you can never be too choosy when starting out, you still need to be careful it is the right job."

Oil tycoon Hodcroft is believed to have spoken to a large number of applicants from an original list of more than 70, including ex-Rangers captain Richard Gough, former Middlesbrough and Manchester City defender Alan Kernaghan, Hartlepool youth team coach Martin Scott and axed York City boss Terry Dolan, before whittling it down to the last two.

Hartlepool yesterday parted company with assistant manager Kevin Sheedy, who was appointed by Newell, who was dismissed despite winning automatic promotion to Division Two and was appointed Luton Town manager earlier this week.