Town have again been linked with a move for West Ham defensive coach Wally Downes. The 49-year-old former Brentford boss and ex-Reading and Southampton coach has been mentioned in connection with the Blues on a number of occasions over the last 10 days.

According to today’s report, Downes would cost Town £100,000 in compensation if they want to end the one-time Wimbledon striker's spell at Upton Park, which only began in November. Downes's situation could also be affected if Hammers boss Avram Grant is sacked, as is widely expected.

Paul Jewell is keen to add an experienced assistant to his backroom staff and on Friday the new Blues boss confirmed that his long-time associate Chris Hutchings is very much in the running for the role: “I’m going to bring in a senior coach to work alongside me. That will happen next week.

“Chris is a terrific coach and we’ve enjoyed success both at Bradford and at Wigan. Chris is most certainly well in the frame.

“I’ve got a couple of people to speak to and hopefully I want to get it nailed down no later than Tuesday if I can.”

Jewell has already appointed his former Bradford strike partner Sean McCarthy to his coaching team, while many of the incumbent backroom staff are set to stay at Portman Road.

Photo: Action Images

blueherts added 10:32 - Jan 17 Delighted we finally are solving the real issues and building from bottom up . get the right coaching staff in and guys who will have strong influence unlike the muppets that Keane had when he was there - you saw what Charlie did when Keane was not around .. ( or was it Kiwomya!!) ... Agree re forward comment that our main issue is Right Back and a ball playing midfielder - someone to feed the forwards!!! Good times they are a coming

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dirtydingusmagee added 10:37 - Jan 17 ha ha Dobbie, new era, new image .Didnt know you cared .
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Brazilian added 10:42 - Jan 17 We need a new broom to sweep out the chaff...it ain't gonna happen overnight.
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depressed added 13:20 - Jan 17 Blueherts....All them " Muppets " were in the dugout last week at home against the Arsenal. I agree Keane was a big let down , but i think the coaches deserve more respect.
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