Oxford United chairman Firoz Kassam has confirmed he will not let boss Ian Atkins leave the table-topping U's.
Shrimpers supremo Ron Martin has identified Atkins as his number one choice to succeed Steve Wignall as manager but has so far been denied permission to talk to the 46-year-old.
"Ian's doing a great job for us," said Kassam.
"The table doesn't lie and we are top of the Third Division.
"There's no chance of Ian Atkins going anywhere.
"He's under contract with us until the end of the season."
If Kassam continues to prevent Atkins meeting with the Roots Hall hierarchy then the former Chester City chief would have to resign to become the next Blues boss.
In the meantime, Steve Tilson, assisted by Paul Brush, will continue as the Shrimpers' caretaker-manager.
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Published Wednesday November 26, 2003
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