Ipswich Town legend Kevin Beattie believes a young up-and-coming manager is exactly what the club needs to get back on track.

Owner Marcus Evans is continuing his search for a replacement for former boss Mick McCarthy, with 41-year-old St Mirren manager Jack Ross and Shrewsbury’s Paul Hurst, 42, leading candidates.

Ross is believed to have held talks with Evans earlier this week, while Hurst’s Shrews are in League One play-off final action next weekend, but it is not thought to be simply a two-horse race between the pair with a number of further candidates thought to be lined up for interviews.

The odds on former England international Frank Lampard taking over as boss tumbled this evening, with the former midfielder now second favourite after reports he was interviewed by Evans earlier today.

MORE: Ross and Hurst remain leading contenders – but search for new Ipswich boss not simply a two-horse race

Beattie, who played a major role in Sir Bobby Robson’s great Ipswich sides of the 1970s and 80s, believes new ideas are needed as the club looks to re-enthuse supporters after some tough times under McCarthy.

“I think we should look for a first or second division manager who is up and coming, but the question is whether their clubs would be happy to let them go,” he said.

“We are a big club and will be a draw for managers I’m sure but we need to get the fans back, that’s the most important thing.

“These managers have proven it down there and, while we’re not the biggest club in the Championship, we are a big club.

MORE: ‘A great style of football, working on a budget and restoring a bond between club and fans’ - the view from St Mirren on Ross

“We need new ideas and these younger managers have obviously got them.”

Speaking as part of his address to the club’s fans in April, Evans revealed he expected to appoint a new manager at the end of May or the start of June, and it’s believed he is still working to this timeframe.

The Ipswich owner is believed to favour a younger manager, although he is thought to have spoken to a wide range of candidates as he bids to replace former boss McCarthy.

Lampard, currently working in the Chelsea youth system, recently discussed his desire to go into management.

“Well I’m doing my coaching badges at the moment. I’ve spent a lot of time at Chelsea this year, gaining hours of experience,” Lampard told Press Association Sport.

“I’ve already managed to get my A Licence in coaching. So yes, with the right opportunity and right timing for me, I’d really take a very close look at it.

“Because you do want to give back, show you can help try to develop players, and help them tactically and whether you can be a good man manager.”