TONY Mowbray has turned down the chance to become the new Ipswich manager.The 42-year-old former Town captain and first team coach will instead stay with Hibernian, where he has been in charge for two years after exiting Portman Road.

By Mel Henderson

TONY Mowbray has turned down the chance to become the new Ipswich manager.

The 42-year-old former Town captain and first team coach will instead stay with Hibernian, where he has been in charge for two years after exiting Portman Road.

The news was announced by the Scottish club after they had been asked for permission by Ipswich to approach Mowbray, who has also been linked with the vacancy at his former club Middlesbrough.

A statement read: “Hibernian FC can confirm that manager Tony Mowbray has ruled himself out of contention for the vacant managerial post at Ipswich Town FC.

“The manager returned today from two days in Paris to take in the UEFA Champions League Final and today moved to clarify his position.

“Rod Petrie (Hibs chairman) today confirmed that he had received a telephone call from the chairman of Ipswich Town earlier in the week and made Tony aware of their interest in talking to him about the manager's job at Tony's former club.

“It was agreed that a response would be given to Ipswich today following Tony's return to the office. Tony spoke to David Sheepshanks this morning to make him aware of his decision.”

The statement also included Mowbray's own thoughts on the matter and he added: ““Everyone knows I have a lot of affection for Ipswich Town Football Club. I spent a number of happy years there as a player and as a coach. It is a club with a great infrastructure and potential.

“Both clubs deserve the utmost respect and it was important to me that the process was handled with integrity and that I spoke to David Sheepshanks personally to let him know my feelings.

“Nothing has happened to change my position as manager of Hibernian Football Club. A lot has been achieved in my two years here and there is a lot more to do.

“We have a talented group of players who have the real potential to achieve success for this football club. I enjoy helping them develop their talent and our plans are well advanced for next season.”

Ipswich, who have also been denied permission to speak to Colchester manager Phil Parkinson, must now look elsewhere for a successor to Joe Royle.