Mandaric: Megson going nowhere

Leicester chairman Milan Mandaric has warned manager Gary Megson in no uncertain terms his future lies at the Walkers Stadium ahead of today’s Coca-Cola Championship clash at Scunthorpe.

Bolton approached the Foxes chief for permission to speak to Megson about their vacant managerial position following Sammy Lee’s departure, but the request was turned down.

Megson was appointed City boss only last month – becoming the club’s fourth manager since Mandaric took control in February – following the departure of Martin Allen just four games into his tenure.

Mandaric said in a statement: “I am a great believer in loyalty, trust and integrity. Gary made a commitment to this football club, the supporters and myself and I fully expect him to honour that commitment.”

City travel to Glanford Park for the 5.20pm kick-off in front of the Sky cameras unbeaten in their last four games, but still lie seven places behind the 11th-placed Iron, who in turn have won just one of their last four.

The Foxes have concerns over Joe Mattock, who picked up a knock on England Under-19 duty, but welcome back Stephen Clemence and James Wesolowski.

Megson told the club’s official website, www.lcfc.co.uk: “It’s good having those two players back and that comes as a benefit from the break that we have had.”

Scunthorpe boss Nigel Adkins hopes the fact the game is televised will not deter fans from coming to support his side.

“We’re really looking forward to it,” Adkins told his club’s website www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk. “It will be a tough game – they’re committed and very organised.

“It’s a great game. Hopefully it will be a full house. It is going to be on Sky and hopefully people can record it, come down to sing and shout, and then watch themselves on the television later.

“We want them to come down and create a special atmosphere. The floodlights will be on and every game at Glanford Park this season has been a really special occasion, and this is one people should look forward to.”

Paul Hayes could be recalled at the expense of Jonathan Forte to renew his partnership with Martin Paterson, who has shaken off a knee problem.

Cardiff boss Dave Jones will put sentiment to one side when he returns to former club Southampton tomorrow.

Jones, who spent two and a half years on the south coast with the Saints, told club website www.cardiffcity.co.uk: “I enjoyed my time there and am proud of helping set up the infrastructure that is in place now.

“Like anything, though, that all means nothing as I will be looking to get all three points the moment the referee blows the whistle for the game to start.

“Afterwards, I will catch up with everyone but it is all about us winning.”

Both sides’ pre-season promotion hopes have proven wide of the mark to date, with the two teams level on 13 points in the bottom half of the table.

Trevor Sinclair, Jason Byrne and Matty Smith have all returned to training, leaving Riccardo Scimeca as Jones’ main fitness concern.

Southampton boss George Burley could be without Chris Makin for three months with a hip injury, and a calf strain could prevent new arrival Andrew Davies from making his debut, but Darren Powell returns.