Paul Cook has been named Ipswich’s new manager following the departure of Paul Lambert over the weekend ahead of a potential takeover.
The former Wigan boss’ arrival comes with owner Marcus Evans in advanced talks with a consortium including the co-owners of US club Phoenix Rising.
Cook is expected to bring in Gary Roberts, who played for Cook at Wigan, as his assistant, with Matt Gill remaining at the club as first-team coach.
Sportsmail understands Lambert reiterated his desire to leave the club on Thursday and that he first raised the possibility of standing down in January, when he accused Evans of losing interest in the Portman Road club.
The Scot was frustrated at not receiving any specific budget or direction from above ahead of their second season in League One and frequently attempted to encourage Evans to reconnect with the club and supporters.
Although Evans spoke on the club website of ‘significant differences of opinion’ between the pair, it’s believed there was no major fall-out between them and Lambert remains on good terms with both Evans and Lee O’Neill, the general manager of football operations.
Ipswich are currently eighth in League One and still have a strong chance of earning a play-off spot as they try to return to the Championship