FORMER Norwich coach Steve Foley could figure in Ipswich's backroom shake-up.

FORMER Norwich coach Steve Foley could figure in Ipswich's backroom shake-up, writes Mel Henderson.

I understand Foley, surprisingly axed by the Canaries last month, is a leading contender to take up the post on offer with Ipswich.

Reserve coach Steve McCall is believed to be on the brink of being confirmed as the club's new chief scout after the departure earlier this week of Colin Suggett.

The changes will complete new boss Jim Magilton's 'cabinet' reshuffle after former assistant boss Willie Donachie also departed in the wake of Bryan Klug's step-up from academy manager to become first team coach.

Goalkeeping coach Andy Rhodes and fitness coach Simon Thadani also look set to stay on in their present roles.

Magilton has been concentrating on finalising his backroom team and the club, although staying tight-lipped today, hope to make an announcement before the end of the week.

He has made no secret of the fact that he is planning changes, but the appointments are not yet ready to be rubber-stamped.

I understand Manningtree-based Foley has been in talks with Town and is keen to come on board after his shock exit from Carrow Road, where he has yet to be replaced.

The former Colchester United player and coach had been with the Canaries for ten years, initially in charge of the reserves and then, for the last five years, as first team coach.

He was seriously ill a year ago and it was several months before he was able to resume his duties alongside Norwich boss Nigel Worthington.

Many supporters expressed their anger at his dismissal, with many feeling he had been made a scapegoat for the club's failure to mount a serious promotion challenge last season following their relegation after just one year in the Premiership.

McCall, a member of the Town side that won the UEFA Cup in 1981, is believed to be Magilton's first choice to head up the club's scouting network.

It is a key role because Town believe they have missed out in this area in recent years and unearthing bright new talent is high on the new manager's agenda.

The club's excellent academy is the envy of most other clubs, but Magilton is keen to recruit hungry young players, probably in their early 20s, and the hunt will stretch to the continent.

Another former Ipswich player, Tony Humes, has been promoted to replace Klug as academy manager, which may mean that another academy coach will also be taken on.