CHERRIES boss Sean O'Driscoll has made light of newspaper speculation linking him with the vacant manager's position at Plymouth Argyle.

O'Driscoll is reported to be one of the names in the frame to replace Paul Sturrock who left Home Park to join South-ampton at the end of last week.

The 46-year-old was touted as a possible successor to Sturrock in a story which appeared in yesterday's Plymouth Evening Herald.

But O'Driscoll, who recently celebrated his 20th anniversary at Dean Court, has dismissed the rumour - and even made a joke of the speculation.

O'Driscoll quipped: "In 20 years at Bournemouth, this is the first time I have been linked with any job and I am absolutely delighted!"

He added: "In all seriousness, speculation is what it is - speculation - and as everybody knows, I am not a great fan of the media.

"I understand they have a job to do, but I have had no contact with anybody at Plymouth and I would be extremely surprised if I did."

The Herald's article claimed O'Driscoll "could also be one of the leading contenders" because "the Argyle board are believed to have been impressed with the work he has done at the Dorset club".

Pilgrims chairman Paul Stapleton has confirmed the post will be advertised this week, although Kevin Summerfield looks set to continue as Argyle caretaker boss until the end of the season.

Cherries vice-chairman Andrew Kaye told the Echo: "As far as I'm concerned, I've heard nothing about it at all, but the speculation doesn't surprise me as we believe Sean is one of the best young managers in the country.

"I, like the rest of the board, know that Sean is doing the most unbelievable job and, as far as we're concerned, he's our manager now and hopefully will be for many years to come."

It was reported by the Echo in August that O'Driscoll was set to sign a new deal, although since then, no details have been released by the club regarding his contractual situation.

Wolverhampton-born O'Driscoll's long association with Cherries started when he joined the club as a player in February 1984.

And after filling a number of posts at Dean Court, he was handed the managerial reins when Mel Machin moved upstairs in August 2000.

He guided Cherries to Division Three play-off glory in May and will again be hoping to mastermind another promotion campaign, against all the financial odds.