PETER Taylor confirmed last night that he had been unable to reach an agreement with Ipswich Town, about becoming the club's new coach.

Carl Marston

By Carl Marston

PETER Taylor confirmed last night that he had been unable to reach an agreement with Ipswich Town, about becoming the club's new coach.

But Taylor refused to be drawn on the reasons why he would not be joining the Portman Road coaching staff.

Ex-England caretaker boss and former England under-21 Taylor had held talks with Town during the week, about the possibility of becoming the new first team coach, and so working alongside manager Roy Keane.

It was hoped that the 56-year-old would be installed before tomorrow's key home game against Derby County.

However, the club yesterday issued the following statement: “Ipswich Town Football Club can confirm that Peter Taylor will not be joining the coaching staff at Portman Road.

“Senior management staff at the club and Mr Taylor held discussions over a potential role in support of the coaching team during the course of this week.

“However, there will be no further progression of these talks. The club wishes Peter Taylor every success in his future career.”

Taylor reacted to this official press release by saying: “I don't want to add to what the Ipswich Town statement said. The comments of Ipswich are fine by me.

“Suffice to say, we couldn't come to an agreement on this matter and it's best for all parties concerned to leave it at that.

“I don't think it would be in the interests of any of us to go any further than what has already been said.”

When asked whether he was disappointed that a possible move to Town had fallen through, Taylor added: “I'm not disappointed, one way or the other. It's best to let the matter rest.”

In addition to his international experience, Taylor has also managed a host of club sides, including Southend, Gillingham, Leicester City and Hull City. He guided his last club Wycombe Wanderers to promotion to League One last May, but was dismissed earlier this month with the Chairboys having won just one league game.

Speaking on behalf of the players, full-back David Wright said of Taylor's decision: “The players did not know anything about it.

“The manager (Keane) and him (Taylor) must have had a chat, but we didn't know he was supposed to be coming anyway.

“He certainly did not take training with us this week, and I never saw him about the club,” added Wright.