Ipswich Town owner Marcus Evans has revealed that a decision regarding the future of Mick McCarthy will be made public before the end of April.
McCarthy has spent the last five-and-a-half years at Portman Road, but the 59-year-old's contract expires at the end of the season.
There has been speculation over whether McCarthy will be offered a fresh deal by the Tractor Boys, and Evans has moved to tell supporters that discussions will take place over the coming weeks before an announcement is made before April 30.
Evans told the club's official website: "As I'm sure you are aware, Mick's contract is up at the end of the season and I'm fully aware that there will be supporters who will be waiting to see how that situation develops.
"I continue to have a very good relationship with Mick. We talk regularly and we will sit down and discuss the best way forward for this football club in the next few weeks. And that is the sole concern for me - what is best for Ipswich Town.
"Supporters will know the result of that conversation in due course but it will be made public well in advance of the Early Bird deadline."
McCarthy has recorded 104 wins and 77 draws from his 275 matches in charge of Ipswich, but the club are only on course to finish in mid-table during the current Championship campaign.