Ipswich Town are stepping up their search for a new manager and have been given permission to speak to St. Mirren's Jack Ross who has just taken the club back to the SPL.

The Tractor Boys are looking for a new boss after they parted company with Mick McCarthy last month.

And, according to the East Anglian Daily Times, they have been granted permission from the Scottish side to speak to promising young manager Jack Ross.

As mentioned, he has enjoyed a hugely successful season with The Buddies this year, after they won promotion to the top-flight in style.

It capped off what has been a remarkable 18 months for the Paisley side as Ross took over when they were bottom of the Scottish Championship.

The Ipswich board have placed an importance on bringing in a manager who plays the right way and St. Mirren were the top scorers in the Championship last season and young emerging talents such as Cameron Smith and particularly Lewis Morgan were key to their success.

Ross was interviewed for the Barnsley job back in February but pulled out of the running for the job after that.

The Verdict

Jack Ross has done a marvellous job at St. Mirren and it's not surprising that other clubs are aware of him.

After criticism from a section of the fans about McCarthy's style of play, it appears the board want to make a bold appointment who can hopefully transform the club and Ross would fit the bill.

Clearly, there will be other candidates to interview and this is just the first step but Ipswich could do a lot worse than the 41-year old.

Thoughts, Ipswich fans? Let us know in the comments below.