Wigan manager Paul Jewell is more concerned about being measured up for his Carling Cup final suit than speculation linking him with the vacant Newcastle hot-seat.
Within an hour of Graeme Souness' sacking, Jewell was installed as second favourite with one betting firm behind Bolton manager Sam Allardyce, although the 41-year-old has since drifted in the market.
After his success at Bradford and now Wigan, it is not surprising Jewell finds himself in contention to replace Souness. However, Wigan chairman Dave Whelan insisted last week Jewell would not be allowed to leave unless Manchester United, Arsenal or Liverpool came calling.
Although Wigan are fifth in the Premiership, and face a Millennium Stadium showdown with Manchester United later this month, there is no doubt struggling Newcastle are an attractive proposition.
Yet Jewell has other things to concern him and he said: "I think my CV stands up to scrutiny, but that's for other people to judge.
"In football you never know what is around the corner, but I'm happy here and I enjoy my job. I have done for the last four or five years. As far as I'm concerned, the only thing that's on my mind at the moment is trying to get a result against Bolton on Saturday - plus the fact we get measured for a suit for the final! With all the stick I'm getting over my gear, I need all the help I can get!
"But there's a hell of a lot to look forward to here."
Wigan were favourites for relegation at the start of the season, but have done so well that expectations are continually increasing.
"It's amazing how people's perceptions change," added Jewell. "A supporter collared me outside today and said to me aggressively 'We are going to win this final, aren't we?' That takes my breath away.
"That's life though, but I'm big and brave enough to say 'This is the way I do it'. If it doesn't work then I know the consequences."
Winger Gary Teale claims the players would be "devastated" if Jewell did land the Magpies post, although he can appreciate why he is in the frame.
"He gets the players working hard as a team and as individuals," said Teale. "Full credit to him because even with the boys out of the team, they are always working hard to get back in.
"He seems to make everybody adhere to the work ethic, and that comes first. We're all singing from the same hymn sheet, and that's the way the club has been over the last few years.
"If he left it would be back to square one. Whoever came in, you do not know how they would work.
"At least with our manager you know where you stand with him. He is great to work under because of that. If he left, it would be a massive blow to the players and the club, a real nightmare."
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