Sources: Ipswich Town interview Harris but 58-yr-old is number one target

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Published on:

12 Dec 2021, 2:11 am

Ipswich Town interviewed Neil Harris on Friday about becoming their new manager but Frank Lampard has knocked them back, Football Insider can exclusively reveal.

Blackburn Rovers boss Tony Mowbray, 58, is the Town hierarchy's top target to replace the sacked Paul Cook.

But an Ipswich source has told Football Insider that the club are not confident of prising Mowbray from Championship promotion chasers Blackburn Rovers.

Ipswich Town Football Club can confirm that manager Paul Cook has been relieved of his duties.

We thank Paul for his efforts and wish him the very best going forward.#itfc
— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) December 4, 2021

It means former Millwall and Cardiff City boss Harris, 44, is well placed in the race to take over at Portman Road.

John Terry is also under consideration and is keen on the job as he targets his first managerial post.

But his fellow Chelsea legend Lampard is not interested in dropping down to League One after managing in the Champions League last season.

Ipswich made contact with the former England midfielder but he is holding out for a higher-level post.

The 43-year-old came close to being appointed manager of their rivals Norwich City last month before he pulled out of the race at the eleventh hour.

Harris has reached the play-offs three times as a manager, including winning one of his two trips to Wembley with Millwall in League One before finishing fifth in the Championship with Cardiff.

Chief executive Mark Ashton has said he will meet a wide range of managers face-to-face.

The Tractor Boys sit 12th in League One despite heavy investment in the summer that saw 18 new signings arrive.

They are nine points adrift of the play-off places and failed to make any ground on Saturday as they drew 1-1 against high-flying Wigan Athletic.

In other news, Ipswich Town make move for Champions League winner.

Ipswich Town