Shropshire Star

Paul Hurst poised to leave Shrewsbury for Ipswich Town after compensation agreed

Paul Hurst is poised to leave Shrewsbury Town and become the new Ipswich Town boss.

Published

It's understood a deal could be wrapped up quickly after an official approach was made and compensation agreed.

Hurst has been the bookmakers' favourite to replace Mick McCarthy at Portman Road for a number of weeks.

The Championship outfit held off making a move until Town's bid for League One promotion was ended with Sunday's play-off final defeat to Rotherham.

It's understood Town reluctantly agreed to give permission after Hurst expressed a desire to speak to the Tractor Boys.

Town now expect to be searching for a new manager shortly and will want to move as swiftly as possible to narrow down a shortlist of targets.

Yorkshireman Hurst, 43, is understood to have flown on a family holiday today but talks will commence, with Ipswich keen on landing their man after waiting patiently.

If, as expected, Hurst completes his switch to Portman Road, it brings to an end an incredible 19-month spell in Shropshire.

The manager, who was brought in from Grimsby, led Shrewsbury from League One relegation certainties to survival.

After a first summer at the helm he then guided Town, again tipped for the drop, on a stunning campaign against the odds where Shrewsbury battled it out with Wigan and Blackburn for automatic promotion.

The season ended last weekend after its 62nd game in Wembley defeat. After the game Hurst said it was not the right time to comment on speculation.

Shrewsbury are still to officially confirm their player retain list, with a number of players out of contract. It is set to be completed and released in the coming days.

David Hopkin is an early candidate to replace Hurst once his departure is confirmed. The Livingston chief led his side to a surprise promotion from the Scottish Championship this season.

Hopkin is the preferred choice of fellow Scottish club St Mirren, the former club of Town chief executive Brian Caldwell, who has excellent links north of the border.

The 47-year-old boss is set to be deciding on his future in the next day or two. He has also been linked with vacant jobs at Carlisle and Bradford.