Colchester United have confirmed that they have refused Town and two other clubs permission to speak to their manager Phil Parkinson. The 38-year-old was amongst Town s preferred candidates to take over from the departing Joe Royle.
Assistant manager Willie Donachie says he wants to succeed Joe Royle as Town boss. Donachie worked with Royle at Oldham, Everton and Manchester City before rejoining him at Portman Road in 2002 after a spell coaching at Sheffield Wednesday.
Chairman David Sheepshanks says the Blues have no replacement for Joe Royle already lined-up. Preston boss Billy Davies appears to be emerging as a strong contender to fill Royle s Portman Road role.
Departing boss Joe Royle says he almost quit Town last year after failing to win promotion through the play-offs but was persuaded to stay by chairman David Sheepshanks and his love of the club. Royle ended his three-and-a-half year reign at Portman Road yesterday by mutual consent.
Town have asked Hibernian for permission to speak to Tony Mowbray regarding the Portman Road managerial vacancy. Former skipper and coach Mowbray was immediately linked with a return to the club when news of Joe Royle s departure broke last Thursday.