I have not spoken to Barnsley, insists Wilson

Wilson, 51, who resigned as Swindon boss in March, is understood to be in the running for the vacancy at Oakwell following Sunday’s departure of Mark Robins.

But Wilson, who led the Tykes to their only season in the top flight in 1997, said: “It’s complete speculation at this stage.

“I don’t know if they’re interested or not. I’ve had no contact with Barnsley, so I can’t really comment on what’s been said.”

Asked if a return to Oakwell after 14 years would be an ideal chance for him to get straight back into management, Wilson added: “It depends which way you look at it. I’m quite enjoying my holidays.”

Wilson, a former player at Barnsley, has also had spells as manager at Sheffield Wednesday, Bristol City, MK Dons and Hartlepool.

Meanwhile, Brighton manager Gus Poyet has ruled himself out of the West Ham job as club co-owner David Sullivan vows to get the right man to resurrect the Upton Park club.

The Hammers have vowed to have their new boss appointed by the end of the month as they look to bounce back from the npower Championship at the first attempt.

The Irons’ finally wielded the axe on Avram Grant – only appointed during the summer – after relegation from the Barclays Premier League was confirmed on Sunday after they squandered a 2-0 lead at fellow strugglers Wigan to lose 3-2.

Former England manager Steve McClaren has already ruled himself out of the running, with Martin O’Neill reported to be head of the wanted list again, the board having offered the Northern Irishman the job during January only to be turned down.

Poyet had been linked with the vacancy after steering the Seagulls to the League One title but has ruled himself out of the running.

The 43-year-old Uruguayan said: “No chance. I can promise I will never apply for a job during my time at another club, especially at a club like Brighton where I’m so happy to be.

“It would be really silly on my part to apply for any other job. I promise you at the moment there is nothing, just rumours.”

Sullivan admitted the appointment of former Chelsea and Portsmouth manager Grant following the dismissal of Gianfranco Zola was a “bad selection” by the board – and it is not a mistake they intend to make again as the east London club face up to life back outside the elite clubs of English football.

“We will wait to see who applies and wait to see what happens generally, but it will be resolved within two weeks, I should think,” Sullivan said.

“I think we will definitely get an English manager, or a British manager.”