Former QPR boss Jim Magilton is the latest name to be linked with the City helm.

Interviews for the vacancy began today, although an announcement is not expected before Saturday’s home clash with Grimsby.

Magilton is keen for a quick return to management after his controversial departure from Rangers. And it is thought that he views the short-term role at City as a good opportunity.

The 40-year-old, capped 52 times by Northern Ireland during a career with Oxford, Sheffield Wednesday, South-ampton and Ipswich, took over the Portman Road hot-seat in June 2006.

He spent three seasons as Ipswich boss, missing out on the play-offs by one point in 2008, but was sacked in April last year.

Magilton accepted the poison chalice of the QPR job in June but lasted only six months following allegations of a dressing-room bust-up with midfielder Akos Buzsaky after a game at Watford.

Peter Jackson and Russell Slade are in the frame with other possibilities including Ronnie Jepson, Steve Cotterill, Iain Dowie, Lawrie Sanchez and Accrington boss John Coleman.

But Andy Ritchie, who was on the short-list before Stuart McCall came in, will not be reapplying.

The former Huddersfield chief said: “I did have an interview at Bradford before Stuart got the job and I wouldn’t say I’d never go back in (to management).

“Football is still in my blood but at the moment I’m just enjoying what I am doing and I’m not looking at anything.

“I feel very sorry for Stuart actually. It’s a tough job anyway and he had to lose some of his good players at the end of last season.”