Royle set to be unveiled as Ipswich boss

Ipswich have called a press conference at Portman Road for 3pm today to announce the appointment of their new manager.

The First Division club have been without a manager since sacking George Burley earlier this month.

Yesterday former Everton and Manchester City boss Joe Royle revealed that he had held talks with club chairman David Sheepshanks over the vacancy and there is speculation that he could take over this afternoon.

Royle, who has also managed Oldham in the past, has been out of work since being sacked by the Maine Road club in May last year.

“I have spoken with the Ipswich chairman and hope to speak to him again soon,” he told the Manchester Evening News.

“Ipswich are a well-run club and I would be interested in managing them. But nothing has been signed or sealed yet.”

Ipswich have made a disappointing start to life back in Division One following their relegation from the Premiership last term.

The poor form which accounted for Burley after nearly eight years in the post has continued under caretaker manager Tony Mowbray’s charge, with Gillingham the latest side to take advantage with a 1-0 win on Saturday.

Town are currently 17th in the table, although they face Slovan Liberec in the second round of the UEFA Cup this week.