Midfielder Mark Noble says he would be happy to return to Town on a second loan spell in January if West Ham are keen for him spend more time away from Upton Park. Noble's current three-month loan is up after Town's home game with Sheffield Wednesday on November 11th and is not permitted return until January.

Noble told the club site: "I'm not sure what will happen after I go back to West Ham.

"So much has happened there lately and everyone seems to be looking over their shoulders waiting to see whether someone comes in and takes over the club.

"I can't go out on loan anyway until January when the transfer window opens, so there is no rush to sort things out when I get back.

"I've spoken to the manager at West Ham and he said he has been keeping an eye on how I have been doing, and has been receiving some decent reports.

"I've certainly enjoyed playing at Ipswich week-in, week-out and if West Ham do decide to loan me out again in January, then this club would be the first place I'd like to come to."

Meanwhile, former Blue Tommy Miller is once again being linked with a return to the Blues, perhaps to coincide with Noble's departure. Boss Jim Magilton is known to want Miller back at Portman Road and a loan spell leading to a permanent move on a free transfer in January may well be on the cards.

Elsewhere, Mark Venus has, as expected, been confirmed as Tony Mowbray's number two at West Brom. Hibs gave the former Wolves central defender permission to speak to the Baggies earlier in the week.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls