TOMORROW is D-day for Ipswich Town as they look for a new manager to replace Joe Royle.While there is no firm cut-off date for applications, Blues chairman David Sheepshanks expects that all the serious applicants will show their hands in the next 24 hours and the process of selecting a shortlist can begin.

TOMORROW is D-day for Ipswich Town as they look for a new manager to replace Joe Royle.

While there is no firm cut-off date for applications, Blues chairman David Sheepshanks expects that all the serious applicants will show their hands in the next 24 hours and the process of selecting a shortlist can begin.

“I've taken a few calls and made some strategic ones myself.

“By tomorrow I'll be able to sit down with Derek Bowden (Town chief executive) and look at who we want to be selecting from.

“In this day and age you don't have to advertise and we fully expect all the contenders to have shown their interest by then,” said Sheepshanks.

While he refused to be drawn on how many applications the club has received so far, Ipswich legend Terry Butcher is believed to have registered his interest.

Butcher, manager of Scottish side Motherwell, has been offered the chance to take over at Australian side FC Sydney.

Millwall, relegated from the Coca-Cola Championship two weeks ago, are also understood to be keen to secure the services of the former England captain.

Ian Holloway, who is currently suspended as boss at Championship side Queens Park Rangers, is another to express his interest in the vacant post at Portman Road.

The 43-year-old has been on 'gardening leave' following three straight defeats in February.

Holloway has made no secret of his admiration for Ipswich Town in the past and The Evening Star understands that he will apply for the £250,000-a-year job.

Willie Donachie, assistant manager under Royle, has also signalled his intention to put his name forward.

The former Scottish international has taken over as caretaker manager while Town conduct their search for a new boss.

Other names linked to the job include Preston North End boss Billy Davies, who saw his side lose in the play-off semi-final to Leeds United a week ago - just 12 months after being beaten by West Ham in the play-off final at Cardiff.

Phil Parkinson, who led Colchester United to promotion from League One, has also been touted as a possible replacement for Royle, although it is unlikely that the U's would give him permission to talk to Town.

Alan Curbishley, who left Charlton after 15 years at the end of the season, and former Republic of Ireland and Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy are also potential candidates.