Oxford United boss Ian Atkins has laughed off reports that he is in the running for the vacant manager's job at Stoke City.

Ian AtkinsA story in yesterday's Daily Star claimed that the Division 1 club have put Atkins at the top of their list to replace Steve Cotterill at the Brittania Stadium following his departure to Sunderland.

Sources from Stoke claim the club are looking for a younger manager who has a proven track record in the game, as well as a good reputation.

And while the 45-year-old appears to fit all the criteria, Atkins has ruled himself out of the job.

"It's news to me," Atkins said last night. "That's the first I've heard of it.

"I haven't even read the Daily Star, but I'll go out and buy it now - that's a great one to have in my scrapbook.

"I'm not in for the job - I'm under contract at Oxford United and I don't do things like that."

Atkins came to The Kassam Stadium exactly 11 months ago, joining the club as director of football, while current boss Mark Wright was suspended on racism charges.

When Wright resigned a week later, Atkins took over in the hot seat.

However, the former Northampton, Carlisle and Chester boss could not stop United's dramatic slide down the Football League, the U's finishing in their lowest-ever position.

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