Wolverhampton Wanderers chief executive Jez Moxey has moved swiftly to rebuff speculation about the future of manager Mick McCarthy after stories linking him with a move away from Molineux.
And Moxey, who claimed the speculation was "unhelpful," insisted the rumours should finally be put to bed, saying: "Despite what is being written, it is business as usual at Molineux."
A Sunday newspaper suggested the club was lining up former Bolton boss Sammy Lee to take over the managerial hot-seat at Molineux. The story claimed that Wolves chairman Steve Morgan was keen to bring in the former Liverpool favourite as a possible successor to McCarthy.
Moxey replied on Monday, however, saying that the story was "not worthy of debate" and described the report as "wholly inaccurate."
Now after further rumblings in the tabloid rumour mill in the last 48 hours suggesting that the Wolves manager was considering a return to his former position as head coach of the Republic of Ireland national squad, Moxley has again denied the claims.
He claimed the reports were unsettling at a time when the club was busy preparing for its Championship league onslaught, possible deals in the transfer market and an FA Cup fourth round tie with Watford later this month.
The chief executive said: "Having to respond daily to national newspaper speculation is not helpful at a time when we are trying to focus on the job in hand which includes trying to strengthen the team if we can.
"Naturally the manager is playing a leading role in trying to identify players to acquire this transfer window as well as preparing for games.
"Despite what is being written it is business as usual at Molineux."
McCarthy joined Wolves in 2006 from Sunderland and last managed Ireland in 2002. He has steered Wolves to a top ten position in the Championship as they strive to reach the play-offs.
Just last month he was also linked with a possible move to South Korea as a replacement for vacating manager Guus Hiddink.
McCarthy admitted at the time he was "flattered" to be linked with a possible return to the international scene but said he was committed to Wolves after lengthy negotiations with owner Morgan and Moxey.
He said at the time: "My commitment is to Wolves and if it wasn't I wouldn't be sat here.
"I really love the job I'm doing and the people I'm working with, I have a huge sense of loyalty to them and to the fans who have been hugely supportive."
