No Albion approach for Jones

Last updated : 27 June 2009 By Michael Morris
The Baggies are without a manager after Tony Mowbray left for Celtic.

The rumours linking Jones with the Albion job started over a week ago and now ait appears that Jones is one of a two horse race with Preston's Alan Irvine for the hot seat at The Hawthorns.

Bookies have slashed the odds on Jones moving to the Midlands but West Brom are saying nothing.

It's taken both Preston and Cardiff to deny that their managers are targets with both saying that no approach has been made for their respective managers.

Preston Chairman Derek Shaw said: "I want to assure supporters that as I give this interview we have not had any contact from West Bromwich Albion over the services of Alan Irvine - and we do not want any.

"If any calls came in then the decision would be down to the manager himself, if the terms of his contract were met, but this is something we would vehemently oppose.

"I have spoken to Alan nearly every day this week, and preparations continue for pre-season - as well as continuing to make enquiries about players as normal.

"The last thing in the world PNE need at this time is to be searching for another manager - it would be a disaster. Alan has progressed the club over the past 18 months, and we want that progression to continue."

Peter Ridsdale had a similar messages.

"I know nothing about it and it's not on my agenda. I have lots of matters to deal with at this moment, but this is not something I'm thinking of.

"Dave Jones is staying with Cardiff City - I have no doubts about that."

Jones himself gave a diplomatic answer when asked if he was going to leave.

"I'm manager here at this moment in time and trying to do my best at Cardiff," he said this week. "You never say never because you don't know want is right the corner.

"Not that I might not go to another club, the club might get rid of me because they think I've taken this club as far as I can. While I'm here the club get everything that I've got I try my best.

"I'm not going to speak about anything because I'm employed by Cardiff City and I'm fully concentrated on this position."