Derby County have reacted angrily to claims made in a newspaper article linking Paul Jewell with the managerial position at Pride Park.
The story suggested that Jewell had turned down the chance to succeed Billy Davies in the Rams hot-seat.
But a poor start to the Premier League season culminating in Saturday's 6-0 defeat at Liverpool has led to some criticism of the former Preston North End manager.
However, chief executive Trevor Birch told the club's official website: "This story is absolute nonsense and we want to nip it in the bud straight away.
"Billy signed an extended contract with this club only a matter of weeks ago and earlier this week chairman Peter Gadsby re-stated on a BBC Radio Derby talk-in show our absolute faith in Billy's ability to take Derby County forward.
"We are aware there have been external forces around for some time now that have sought to de-stabilise this club and we would urge our fans to take any stories they read quoting unnamed sources with a pinch of salt."
