IAIN Dowie has joined the Ipswich hit list as a potential new manager.Dowie is expected to quit as Crystal Palace manager this afternoon, in a press conference scheduled to be held alongside chairman Simon Jordan, after reports of an irreconcilable rift between the pair.

By Derek Davis

IAIN Dowie has joined the Ipswich hit list as a potential new manager.

Dowie is expected to quit as Crystal Palace manager this afternoon, in a press conference scheduled to be held alongside chairman Simon Jordan, after reports of an irreconcilable rift between the pair.

In their bid to leave no stone unturned, the Blues are understood to be poised for a move to try to tempt a second former Oldham boss to take over at Portman Road, - but they face stiff competition.

With Billy Davies favourite to land the Charlton job this afternoon, although Dowie could now be a contender, Preston are reported to be ready to pounce for the Palace boss, while Derby County will also join the race. The Middlesbrough post has yet to be filled, with Terry Venables prevaricating and Tony Mowbray not completely ruled out.

Dowie's family still lives in the north-west and the former Southampton and West Ham striker may also consider linking up with his old Northern Ireland and Saints team-mate Jim Magilton, who is seeking a player/coach role. That could be with either Preston or Ipswich with Dowie, who is godfather to one of Magilton's sons.

The Lilywhites position could also suit former Town manager Joe Royle, who still has a home in the north-west and used to manage Oldham.

The chances of landing Dowie may be long but Town still have plenty of choice, including a couple of foreign applicants, although none have yet made the shortlist.

The Blues have conducted a number of initial interviews already and more will take place today and tomorrow.

Once the shortlist has been drawn up candidates will be invited to meet the full Town board before a third and final interview takes place.

Town chairman David Sheepshanks last night said: “We have cast the net far and wide but have not yet hauled it in.”

Mick McCarthy is on the short-list to take over at Pride Park but is understood to have already spoken to Sheepshanks and chief executive Derek Bowden about the Town job.

Meanwhile, Ian Holloway last night told the EADT that he would love a crack at managing Ipswich and has applied for the job.

The EADT revealed on Saturday how Holloway was a leading candidate and was believed to be among the early list of prospects that had met with Sheepshanks and Bowden.

Holloway admitted he had been in talks with a couple of league clubs but would not say which clubs.

Holloway said: “I would be in dreamland if I thought I was in with a chance of managing Ipswich. My agent has sent my CV to them, as he has a lot of other clubs.

“I have nothing but the highest regard and admiration for Ipswich - it is a massive club.

“I have always loved going to Portman Road, back from when I came on as a substitute in the FA Youth Cup many years ago when I was with Bristol Rovers and we had a certain Geraint Williams in midfield for us.

“We had steak and chips before the game and a meal after, before we came back to Bristol. I never forgot that hospitality and it is still as good today.

“It is a wonderful club. I have met Mr Sheepshanks in the past and he is a real gentleman, while Joe Royle is an absolute hero of mine.

“I would love to manage Ipswich, and good luck to the man who does get the job.”

Millwall and Yeovil are among a number of clubs who are also thought to be keen on Holloway.