Mogga off to Partick?

EXCLUSIVE

TONY Mowbray has been short-listed by Scottish Premier League club Partick Thistle for their vacant managerial position.

The Ipswich Town first-team coach is among three on the hit list now that Jim Duffy has chosen to stay at administration-hit Dundee.

Preston assistant-manager Billy Davies and Rangers youth team manager Tommy McLean also head the queue.

The Jags sacked manager Gerry Collins on Monday after the SPL side went 14 league games without a win.

Although the post has been advertised, and last night more than 20 applications had been received I understand the Partick board, headed by Tom Hughes, have already identified candidates they would be particularly interested in.

Mowbray is not one of those who has applied for the post but may be invited up for an interview within the next 24 hours.

The former Celtic and Middlesbrough defender won a lot of friends and admirers in Scotland during his four-year stint at Parkhead.

He reputation flourished even further as a player, captain, coach and eventually caretaker manager at Ipswich.

As one of the most highly-qualified coaches in the country Mowbray has made it no secret that he is ready to step into the No. 1 job.

Many thought the arrival of Willie Donachie as Joe Royle's No. 2 might seal Mowbray's fate but on the contrary, the coaching staff have been as united as the players.

Mowbray narrowly missed out on the job at Hartlepool and has since bided his time waiting for the right opportunity.

Whether Partick have the ambition to match Mowbray's is uncertain. The Jags are Glasgow's third club behind Celtic and Rangers but have been beset by problems this season.

The sacking of Collins caused outrage among some supporters, with company boss Eddie McMurray, who sponsor the Firhill outfit, threatening to withdraw his backing.

Mowbray, 40 last month, was today due to travel as usual with the first-team squad as they take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground tonight.