CHIEF executive Nick Watkins last night dismissed as “completely erroneous” reports that former Bristol City boss Danny Wilson had been offered the job as manager of Swindon Town.

The Advertiser understands Town’s board of directors met Wilson yesterday morning, however Watkins insists the job has yet to be offered to anyone.

Watkins also admitted an appointment before the Boxing Day trip to Leyton Orient would be “fantastic” but “highly unlikely”.

He said: “We will leave other people to speculate, but we have not offered the job to anybody yet.

“To say we have offered the job (to Wilson) is completely erroneous.

“Things are changing and people have come into the frame, but we don’t want to cause any embarrassment to the people we are in discussions with.

“Whoever comes in, they will have to show their commitment to Swindon Town. We’re not looking for someone who just wants to jump back into work. We have a long-term plan here.”

Town hoped to unveil Newcastle academy director Richard Money as their new manager on Friday, but a failure to agree compensation saw the move break down at the 11th hour.

Chairman Andrew Fitton has since admitted he may need to “re-start” the recruitment process, although Watkins insists the board are working overtime to identify Maurice Malpas’s successor.

“If we could get somebody here before Boxing Day, that would be fantastic,” he said. “If we could get somebody here before the game with Brighton on the 28th, then fantastic. But if it takes until January 2 or January 3 then so be it.

“We have two very winable games coming up and that has to be the immediate focus for Dave Byrne and the players.”

One man hoping to see Town’s managerial marathon take one final twist is former player Martin Ling, who will be in charge of Friday’s opponents Leyton Orient.

Ling has been linked with the vacant County Ground hotseat, but will be doing his utmost to plot Swindon’s downfall on Boxing Day.

“From an entirely selfish point of view, I hope Swindon are still without a manager,” said Ling.

“If they did get someone like Danny Wilson in before then I’m sure the mood would be much more buoyant, and they would be a much tougher side to play against.

“I didn’t see Swindon as a top eight side this season, but I didn’t see them as a bottom eight side either. It’s a massive game for both clubs because a victory would give us some breathing space.

“Three points and we can kick on towards the new year, but a defeat and it will make things very difficult.”