St Mirren manager Jack Ross says he’s aware that there has been communication between the Blues and his club but insists his focus remains on building a Buddies squad for their return to the Scottish Premiership next season.
Ross held a press conference earlier today having been named the Ladbrokes Championship Manager of the Year after St Mirren won the division by 12 points.
The 41-year-old was first mentioned in connection with the Town vacancy a month ago with the Paisley club having granted the Blues permission to speak to him last week, when it’s believed he was interviewed by owner Marcus Evans with a second meeting between the two understood to be taking place this week.
Quizzed on the links with Town this morning Ross appear to play down suggestions he has already met with Evans.
"I think there has been communication between the clubs, but at the moment I don't know anything more than that," Ross told Sky Sports News.
😀 All smiles from Jack Ross this morning as he met the press to discuss his Ladbrokes Championship Manger of the Year award. Well done, gaffer! pic.twitter.com/pgbIftwdTx– St Mirren FC (@saintmirrenfc) May 14, 2018
"I think those that know me that I have spent most of my time since the season finished at our training ground trying to push on with our plans for next season.
"I understand that it goes with the territory and you can’t complain about it because it’s a lot better than nobody being interested in you.”
He added: "At the moment my work and my focus is very much on trying to build a squad that will be progressive here and until that changes it will remain the case.”
”This club has been great for me because it has offered me that chance to prove myself in the last 18 months and I want to try and get better. For as long as I'm here, hopefully, that will be the case."
Regarding the gong, he continued: "It's only really a reflection on how well the players and the staff do throughout the course of the season, as the manager you receive that individual accolade, but you only get that if your team is good and the staff is good.
”Reflecting back on the awards it's nice, I think it's something I'll look back on with a lot of pride.”
Ross remains the joint-favourite for the Blues job at 7-4 with Bet Victor alongside Shrewsbury’s Paul Hurst.
Scott Parker is behind them at 10-1 with Shefki Kuqi, followed by Danny Cowley, Frank Lampard, Paul Cook, Simon Grayson and Tim Sherwood all at 20-1.