Ipswich Town eyes will be firmly fixed on Wembley this afternoon as managerial target Paul Hurst bids to win promotion to the Championship with Shrewsbury.
The Blues are expected to formally launch their bid to bring Hurst to Portman Road early next week regardless of the result of the League One Play-Off Final clash with Rotherham, with the 43-year-old identified as a leading contender early in Marcus Evans’ search for a new boss.
It is understood the Blues have been given assurances, via a third party, that Hurst would be interested in discussing the job, but it has previously been agreed that no official approach would be made until after today’s game at Wembley.
Ipswich Town loanee Josh Emmanuel is a member of the Rotherham side standing in Hurst’s way, as the Shrewsbury manager bids to secure the fourth promotion of his career.
MORE: Ipswich Town hopeful of landing Paul Hurst – but do have back-up options
The 20-year-old defender has enjoyed a stellar season at the New York Stadium, making 37 appearances and winning the club’s Young Player of the Year award, and will be looking to finish on a high before returning to Ipswich in the summer.
Hurst is now the overwhelming favourite for the job after former target Jack Ross was named as the new Sunderland manager on Friday.
Ross impressed Evans during his two interviews for the Ipswich vacancy but was not offered the job, with the Scot remaining in what became a two-horse race with Hurts. Ross was keen on the Ipswich position but was not prepared to wait on Ipswich after receiving a firm offer from the Black Cats.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to take charge of an incredible football club,” Ross said following his appointment by the League One club.
“If you look at the history, the facilities and most important of all, the fanbase, you can see what this club can be. To be part of the team to help realise that potential is something that fills me with excitement.
“From the moment I spoke to (owners) Stewart (Donald) and Charlie (Methven), their energy and enthusiasm was evident and I share in that. There’s a lot of work to be done in re-shaping the squad to ensure that we hit the ground running in League One, and I can’t wait to get started.”
He is reported to be on a salary of £350,000 - five times what he earned at St Mirren.
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