NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn remains the bookmakers’ favourite to take over as Lincoln City boss, despite reports that the job has been offered to Gareth Ainsworth.
Flynn has been the favourite to replace Danny Cowley at Lincoln since last week and Sky Bet have again suspended betting on the Exiles boss moving to Sincil Bank.
That comes after weekend reports that Wycombe Wanderers manager Ainsworth has turned down an initial offer to take charge of the Imps.
The Daily Mail claims that Ainsworth was given a formal offer to take the job over the weekend but rejected it after failing to agree terms.
It is, however, understood that Lincoln have entered fresh talks with him in a bid to get their preferred target.
Another round of interviews took place at the ground on Sunday with chairman Clive Nates keen to make a swift appointment following Cowley’s move to Huddersfield Town.
Ainsworth said last week that he was impressed with what had been achieved at Lincoln – a club he played for between 1995 and 1997 – and has made it clear he is ambitious.
“I’m really happy at Wycombe, they’ve been so good to me,” said the 46-year-old (above).
“But of course, I’m ambitious. I want a club that has ambitions to play in the Championship, to be as high as they possibly can.
“I know Lincoln City have got that ambition. What the Cowleys have built in their time there – it’s just awesome. I’m open to everything.”
Meanwhile, it’s been revealed that Exeter City manager Matt Taylor has turned down an approach to take over at another club.
It is believed that the approach came from Lincoln on Saturday evening after the League Two leaders drew 2-2 with Leyton Orient.
Taylor, who had a brief spell as a County player in 2015, succeeded Paul Tisdale at St James Park in June 2018 and has led Exeter to an unbeaten start this season.
“He believes that the playing and working staff at our club are still in a building phase with huge potential to achieve success over the next few seasons,” Exeter chairman Julian Tagg said in a statement.
“He is an ambitious manager, but his primary ambition is to be successful at Exeter City.
“He has brought a lot of new players and staff to the club who have joined with a vision and expectation that he will be their manager.
“We are hugely supportive of Matt and his vision for our club. He has made a fantastic start to his career as manager and continues to build and strengthen both his playing staff and his backroom team.”
Reports in Lincoln suggest that Flynn has been interviewed for the Imps job and he has so far refused to rule out a move away from Rodney Parade.
When asked before Saturday’s trip to Northampton Town if Lincoln had made an approach for him, he said: “As far as I know, no. All I’m concentrating on is Northampton.”
He added: “It’s always flattering [to be linked with other jobs], and it does show that you’re doing things right.
“I’ve sat here many times and just got on with what I needed to do. I think I’ve always been professional in the way I’ve handled it, and it has never affected the players.
“You’ve got to do things right, and until I’m told anything different, I’ll be doing my best for Newport County.
“Every time there’s a vacancy this comes up, but I can’t do anything about it.
“I’m just concentrating on doing my job and it’s not a bad job we’re doing, so I’m really focused on getting the points [at Northampton].
“It just goes to show what a good job the players are doing, not just myself and the staff. They deserve a lot of credit for that.”
And, speaking after the 2-0 defeat in Northampton, Flynn denied that the speculation had affected the players.
When asked what he thought of anyone who feels the speculation over his future had a negative effect on the team at the PTS Academy Stadium, he replied: “They don’t know what they’re talking about.
“I’m just here to talk about today’s game and be respectful to my players because they deserve it. I’ll be in charge on Tuesday.”
County travel to Macclesfield Town tomorrow.
Flynn is also listed as a 20/1 shot to take over at League One club Southend United.
Read more: Newport County boss insists players are not affected by Lincoln City rumours
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