IT is business as usual for Bury manager Alan Knill – despite his name being linked with a host of vacancies around the lower leagues this week.

The Shakers boss distanced himself from speculation linking him with the Port Vale job on Monday, and he has since been linked with the top job at Burnley and Bristol Rovers.

Two bookmakers have installed the 46-year-old as the third favourite for the Rovers post.

However, the man himself says his sole focus remains on a positive result from Bury’s trip to Accrington Stanley on Saturday.

“It is always nice to be linked to different jobs because it means my team is doing well,” said Knill. “But I am contracted to Bury and I enjoy it here. Until there is something concrete on the table there is nothing to talk about.

“I am just thinking about the Accrington game because the scouting reports I have had back on them are very impressive. They are always a hard team to beat and John Coleman and Jimmy Bell do a great job there.”

Meanwhile, Knill is delighted to have extended the loan of Manchester United striker Nicky Ajose until the end of the season.

Sir Alex Ferguson was pleased with the development of the youngster at Gigg Lane and has given the green light to the deal.

One man who is back at Gigg is centre half Ben Futcher, with Gavin Gunning and Owain Fon Williams returning to Blackburn and Stockport, respectively. Futcher was on loan at Oxford United, and he returns with words of praise ringing in his ears.

“Oxford picked up some good results while he was there and I think their manager, Chris Wilder, wanted to keep him,” said Knill.

“But he is back with us now and I know he will take his opportunity if it arises.

“It is difficult for Ben at the moment, with Efe Sodje and Tom Lees playing so well, but he has plenty of admirers at this level and I am sure he can still play a big part for us.”

Ryan Lowe and Steven Schumacher are expected to shake off knocks in time for the trip to east Lancashire but Andy Bishop remains sidelined with tendonitis.

David Worrall is back in training after a bout of swine flu and has been put on a special programme to build his fitness back up.