REPORTS suggesting that Phil Mullen is in the running for the managerial vacancy at Stourport Swifts have been denied by the Evesham United chief, writes Mervyn Collins.

"I am not interested in going anywhere," the Common Road boss declared. "The chairman and I have got a target to get this club into the Premier Division with the promise of a new ground just around the corner and I intend to honour my contract."

Mullen refused to say whether Swifts had been in contact but revealed that several clubs had enquired about his availability in the past few months.

The manager's main aim at present is to maintain United's promotion push in the face of a lengthy injury list.

Jay Powell, Dean Roberts and Phil Preedy will all be out of action until next month when Evesham find themselves with a shortfall in Western Division action.

After this weekend's visit of third in the table Clevedon and next Tuesday's trip to Rocester, Mullen's men face just two more league outings before Christmas.

New league leaders Chippenham Town visit Common Road on December 8 before a trip to Bedworth on December 22. The rearranged league match at Mangotsfield on Tuesday, December 11 has been cancelled to allow The Robins to entertain Solihull Borough in the second round of the Dr Martens League Cup.

Saturdays, December 1 and 8 are vacant and Mullen wants to keep it that way.

"We are not too far behind and the break will give me the chance to give the injured lads a game in the cup matches," he admitted.

The United chief brought in former Kidderminster midfielder Shaun Cunnington last week and intends to add to his squad when necessary.

However, he was happy with the performance at Gloucester last Saturday when Shaun Pratt failed to come out for the second half with a neck problem.

"I was impressed all round in the second half," Mullen said. "We got more shape when Scott (Mullen) came on and the two young lads did ever so well although we were strong in all departments.

"Credit to Gloucester because they made life difficult for us in the first half but we got our goals at the right time and we finished comfortable winners."

Saturday's match sponsor is Wyke Farmhouse Cheese Company, Bruton, Somerset and the ball sponsor is London Metals, Compton Road, London.