Ipswich Town announce Paul Cook as Paul Lambert's replacement in managerial hotseat

Ipswich Town have confirmed the appointment of Paul Cook as the club's new manager.

The former Wigan Athletic and Portsmouth boss has replaced Paul Lambert, who left the club on Sunday after two-and-a-half years at the helm.

The 54-year-old has signed a deal at Portman Road that runs until the summer of 2023.

Owner Marcus Evans told the club's website: "I’m delighted to announce that Paul Cook is our new manager.

“He has a proven track record in getting clubs promoted and importantly, not only knows the challenges League One presents but also has experience of working in the Championship and getting back to that level remains our primary focus.

“He took Wigan up to the Championship in his first year, kept them up and they would have comfortably finished in mid-table last season if it wasn’t for their points deduction.

“In our conversations, he has shown a great desire to become our next manager and I have been impressed by his ideas and ambitions to help take Ipswich Town forwards and I look forward to working with him as we strive firstly to return to the Championship.

“He knows he will be working with a squad of players that is as good as any in this division and I believe Paul will bring the energy, the enthusiasm and the experience that can fully enhance our promotion aspirations.

“As well as having a history - and on-going desire - of developing a winning formula, his teams have played in a style which is totally in line with the club’s ambitions to develop an Ipswich Town playing ethos.

“I’m sure our supporters will give Paul a great welcome - albeit from afar at the moment – and get right behind him and the players as we enter what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the season.”

Cook's first game in charge of Ipswich will be on Saturday at Gillingham, with Matt Gill and Bryan Klug set to be in control for this evening's game at Accrington Stanley (7pm).

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