TONY Mowbray has been offered a new contract to stay at Ipswich Town, writes Derek Davis.The Blues coach, who took over as caretaker manager between George Burley's sacking and Joe Royle taking over in October 2002, has been offered a new one-year deal on the understanding he will be released to take up a manager's role elsewhere if he finds one.

TONY Mowbray has been offered a new contract to stay at Ipswich Town, writes Derek Davis.

The Blues coach, who took over as caretaker manager between George Burley's sacking and Joe Royle taking over in October 2002, has been offered a new one-year deal on the understanding he will be released to take up a manager's role elsewhere if he finds one.

Blues boss Royle last night confirmed the offer and said: "I have been delighted with Tony's contribution. I would love him to stay and we have offered him something.

"Tony is a manager in waiting and we know he will make his own way eventually but until then he can make a big contribution to Ipswich."

The nine Town players who are out of contract at the end of this month will be told on Monday and Tuesday what, if any, the new deals are.

Chris Bart-Williams, Alun Armstrong, Jermaine Wright, Jim Magilton, Richard Naylor, Lewis Price, John McGreal, Fabian Wilnis and Chris Makin are all waiting to hear if they will be required to turn up for pre-season training on June 28.

Matt Elliott has returned to Leicester City and Foxes boss Micky Adams last night insisted the defender was still part of his plans.

He said: "Matt has been getting first-team football at Ipswich and has proved he can handle the First Division.

"I have not heard anything to suggest he is going elsewhere. He is still the Leicester club captain so don't write him off."

City are still keen to keep Marcus Bent, but are looking at the financial implications, with Town wanting a fee.

Meanwhile the Town boss confirmed he had heard nothing about Charlton being interested in Darren Bent and had not been contacted by anyone regarding the young Town star.

Royle, who was last night a guest of the BBC at the Football Writers' Association awards dinner, dismissed speculation linking him to the vacant Leeds United manager's job.

A Yorkshire paper had put his name in the hat but Royle reaffirmed his position.

"I'm happy with Ipswich. I have another year left and fully intend being here next season."