After all these years, Mick McCarthy has finally left Portman Road.

It leaves the Tractor Boys at a crossroad, a fork in the road which will define their immediate future, perhaps even their long-term goals.

Whether they plump for an experienced big name or an ambitious young manager is up for debate, but with dwindling crowds it is likely they'll be looking to scout players who could eventually turn a profit.

Millwall have proven that you can succeed in the second tier on a tighter budget, Huddersfield did the same the season before, the trick at Portman Road is being the next in the long line of successful teams who work hard rather than spend big.

To do so you need a good knowledge of the potential bargain buys, the players who have potential far beyond their current status.

As the Tractor Boys face an uncertain future, both exciting and daunting in equal measure, here are four players FLW feels they should be scouting right now.

Woodyard has been excellent in midfield for Lincoln City for two seasons now and seems reluctant to leave Danny and Nicky Cowley. However, with them affirming their commitment to the club, if Woodyard wants to step up he has to look for a move.

He's from the south and has the industry and endeavour in the middle of the park to make a difference wherever he plays. We feel he might cost a six-figure sum, but that could easily be improved upon with a good season in the second tier behind him.

Eisa has been a revelation since joining Cheltenham from Greenwich in the summer, winning awards and plaudits from anyone who has seen him in action. He's strong and quick, a constant thorn in defender's sides and a player surely primed for a stab at a higher level.

He wouldn't cost the earth, a side like Cheltenham are likely to accept a structured deal that pays over the longer term as well as an initial sum, and Eisa has all the qualities to impress in the Championship.

Ipswich will need goals and they'll be kicking themselves they released 'man of the moment' Jack Marriott just a couple of seasons ago. Perhaps they should turn their attentions to Marriott's replacement at Luton, James Collins.

Along with Danny Hylton, Collins has been in great form for the Hatters, but Portman Road offers Championship football which would be a big draw. The problem might be the fee, after all Luton paid around £100k for his services and would want a significant return on that to part company with their leading scorer.

Ahearne-Grant has been in great form since joining Crawley on loan from Charlton in January. He's young, athletic and clearly understands where the goal is, all attributes that would serve him well at a higher level.

The 20-year old has a year left on his Addicks contract, but it wouldn't hurt Ipswich to get scouts down to watch him now because on his current form, he has a big future ahead of him.