OWEN Coyle is the perfect choice to replace Paul Jewell at Portman Road.

That is the opinion of one of Coyle’s former sparring partners after Jewell yesterday left Ipswich by mutual consent, following a dire run of 11 games without a win which plummeted the Blues to rock bottom in the Championship.

The writing was on the wall after fans chanted for Jewell’s head as he trudged off the pitch following Tuesday’s dismal 2-1 home defeat to Derby County.

Chief executive Simon Clegg yesterday revealed that the club had attracted “around 34” candidates with the phone “red-hot” in the wake of Jewell’s departure, confirmed yesterday lunch-time.

Alan Curbishley was named favourite among bookmakers while reports circulated last night that Town were looking to hijack Bolton’s bid for Dougie Freedman.

But a former team-mate of Coyle believes he would be ideal for the Ipswich job, with the 46-year-old Scotsman apparently ready for an instant return to football after being sacked by Bolton two weeks ago.

Writing in his column in the Bolton News, John McGinlay said: “Something tells me the Ipswich Town job could be a perfect fit for Owen Coyle.

“The club have hit rock bottom. They are in desperate need of a pick-me-up and I think Owen would be interested. The lifestyle down there would suit him and the structure of the club – which is still a bit of a sleeping giant – would be right for his style too.

“Owen is the type of guy that would get the place stirred up in no time at all.”

Despite only being out of the gamefor two weeks, Coyle is itching for a return.

He said: “What I do know is that at whichever club the opportunity arises for me, they’re going to be very fortunate, because I’m the best manager I’ve ever been.

“There will be opportunities. The phone’s not stopped since I left last week, but obviously I need to make sure it’s the right thing for me, my staff and my family when it comes about.”