IAN Holloway was sounded out by Ipswich Town to become their next manager – but we understand any potential move for the Blackpool boss was ruled out after compensation could not be agreed.
It has been claimed that McCarthy will be announced as the replacement to Paul Jewell today, although the club maintained that no immediate announcement was due when contacted by this newspaper at lunch-time.
The situation has been complicated by Holloway’s name becoming increasingly in the frame.
We understand Town have met with both McCarthy and the Blackpool boss and that he was interested in the vacancy despite Ipswich’s precarious league position.
But our sources have indicated that the big sticking point over discussions is the �500,000 compensation made up of �400,000 from Holloway and �100,000 for his assistant manager Steve Thompson.
We are hearing that a move for Holloway is now dead in the water with McCarthy in pole position.
The other alternative was ex-Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp who appeared to knock down the story yesterday, but whose close relationship with owner Marcus Evans has seen rumours remain.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here