THE rigorous search for a new manager continues unabated for Ipswich Town today after a hands-off warning from Southend United.Although Ipswich are not thought to have made a formal approach, a general inquiry as to Shrimpers manager Steve Tilson's contractual situation has been enough for their chairman Ron Martin to make it clear that, like Colchester, any attempt to talk to him will be rebuffed.

By Derek Davis

THE rigorous search for a new manager continues unabated for Ipswich Town today after a hands-off warning from Southend United.

Although Ipswich are not thought to have made a formal approach, a general inquiry as to Shrimpers manager Steve Tilson's contractual situation has been enough for their chairman Ron Martin to make it clear that, like Colchester, any attempt to talk to him will be rebuffed.

Martin was also sufficiently alarmed that Tilson, and his assistant Paul Brush may be tempted away, that they have invoked a clause in the duo's contract adding a further two years to their already two year contract keeping them at Roots Hall until at least the summer of 2010.

Martin last night said: “Many clubs are in the process of searching for a new manager who has been successful. After back-to-back promotions Steve Tilson falls into the category of a successful manager and we would be surprised if we were not approached by clubs interested in him.

“Ipswich Town are in that position but Steve Tilson is very happy here and has two years left on his existing contract.

“As with Paul Brush there is a clause in Steve Tilson's contract that we can extend the contract by a further two years and we are in the process of doing that right now.

“We want to keep Steve and Paul here for four years. We want continuity at this club and we know that Paul wants the same.”

It is clear that Ipswich are being thorough in their hunt for a new manager and chairman David Sheepshanks is using his wide circle of contacts and friends within the game to see who is available, even if others thought they were not.

Added to the serious applicants, which is approaching 40, Town are ensuring they are leaving no stone unturned.

Although Terry Butcher and Tony Mowbray have turned Ipswich down, and Phil Parkinson, and now Tilson, have been put beyond their reach, chairman David Sheepshanks and chief executive Derek Bowden are confident they will be able to present the board with a high-quality shortlist to be interviewed. Ian Holloway and Mick McCarthy are among those applicants understood to have already been interviewed, while caretaker manager Willie Donachie and former skipper Jim Magilton have told the board they would like to be considered.

Meanwhile Dave Jones has dropped out of the running.

The Cardiff boss, who also interested Crystal Palace, has instead decided to stay at Ninian Park and is poised to sign a new contract.

Jones's name had not been mentioned in connection with the Portman Road vacancy until yesterday, but it is understood he briefly emerged as a contender for the job.