Page 5 - Malcolm Webster News Today

Town have confirmed the appointment of Paul Hurst as their new manager on a three-year deal. Hurst, 43, will be joined at Portman Road by his Shrewsbury assistant Chris Doig, 37, who is also on a three-year contract.

The deal which will see Portsmouth’s Adam Webster join Town and Matt Clarke and a significant fee move in the opposite direction is now set to be confirmed early next week, TWTD understands.

Goalkeeper-coach Andy Rhodes has left the club by mutual consent. Rhodes, father of striker Jordan, has been with the Blues since taking over from Malcolm Webster in the summer of 2004.

Town are among a number of clubs reported to be keeping tabs on Livingston keeper Liam Kelly, who is available for a knockdown fee this summer.

Blues keeper Bartosz Bialkowski has won the Supporters Club’s Player of the Year award for the third successive year with Martyn Waghorn the runner-up.

Assistant caretaker-manager Gerard Nash believes Mick McCarthy could have had Town challenging for the top six this season but for the injuries which have struck the squad throughout the campaign.

Boss Paul Jewell admits that he already has half an eye on next season as the Blues go to Crystal Palace on Saturday with the current campaign over from a competitive perspective. Despite this, the Town manager is keen to end 2011/12 on a high note.

  L-R: Mr. Gary Sharpe, Mrs. Connie Sharpe, Dr. Clyde Bryan, Premier Dr. Ellis Webster,Mr. Richard Schultze and Mr. Malcolm

Town boss Paul Jewell looks set to name an unchanged side for this evening’s game against Championship leaders Southampton at St Mary’s. The Blues will be looking to avenge the Saints’ 5-2 victory at Portman Road earlier in the season.

Adding to promotion-pushing Town’s points total is the most important aspect of Sunday’s East Anglian derby against Norwich City at Carrow Road for manager Mick McCarthy (Sky Sports 3, from 2pm, KO 2.05pm).