Exeter City boss responds to Rotherham United rumours as Grecians prepare for Bristol Rovers

Exeter City manager Matty Taylor says that he is fully focused on their match with Bristol Rovers amid speculation linking him with the Rotherham United job.

Taylor is the firm bookies favourite for the New York Stadium hot seat with odds as short as 1/1 from League One’s sponsor Sky Bet, ovetaking former Bristol City head coach Dean Holden.

As per our affiliated website Yorkshire Post, they say interviews were held on Thursday with prospective candidates. Chairman Tony Stewart said the Millers preference is towards appointing a young manager that hasn’t been ‘around the block’.

Taylor however was conducting a pre-match press conference ahead of the visit of the Gas to St James Park on Saturday and has played down any news of him taking up the role.

Asked by DevonLive about speculation linking him to the Championship job, he said: "Not that I am aware of. You constantly get linked with jobs when they are available.

"The best way I can describe it is that in the off-season, my friend - he is not a gambler in any way - but he had been on a betting website and the manager odds were in. The picture he sent me said that Matt Taylor and then in brackets, both, for the job in question!

"So I think that tells you all you need to know in relation to that. There’s betting websites and rumours and hopefully it’s a reflection of the work we are doing at Exeter City.

"Rotherham is an outstanding football club, newly promoted in the Championship and unfortunate to lose their manager who has been the heart and soul of that football club for such a long period of time.

“They will be looking for a consistent season in the Championship and until I am told differently or otherwise, I am firmly focused on this weekend. "I am pretty comfortable with my ego, it does not need tickling. I feel we do a good job - or as good a job as we possibly can - at Exeter City and that will continue for as long as whatever is needed."

Former Bristol City head coach Holden is amongst the favourites, whilst Sutton United boss Matt Gray is also reportedly a contender for the job as per recent reports.

Cambridge United, who are due to play at the Memorial Stadium next Saturday, had their manager Mark Bonner linked with the vacancy, but he is set to remain in League One after reportedly rejecting the opportunity, despite holding discussions.