BARROW AFC boss Paul Cox says he is as perplexed as anyone over being linked to the vacant Tranmere Rovers jobs.

A national football paper threw his name into the mix earlier this week in an article highlighting the contenders for the post.

But, apart for referring to Bluebirds manager Cox as a ‘less-costly consideration’ – clearly not taking into account the expense of buying him out of his Barrow contract – there was nothing to substantiate the connection and no further mention of his name.

Former Southampton boss Nigel Adkins, confirmed applicant Mark Yates and ex-Coventry City chief Steven Pressley were all names brought up in connection with the vacancy, and with seemingly more credence.

Even so, Cox admitted he had been asked several times if there was any truth in the matter, but played it down, insisting he was staying at Holker Street until owner Paul Casson decided otherwise.

“You lose six games and there are rumours you are going to get the sack,” Cox said in relation to the link after taking Barrow on a seven-match unbeaten run.

“You win six games and then you are linked with everything. That’s the nature of this game.

“It’s nice that people think I’m doing a half-decent job at Barrow, but until Paul Casson says to me that he no longer wants me employed at the football club – whether he sacks me or someone else comes along – I am going to be totally focused on Barrow.

“I’ll let everyone else deal with the speculation.”