Manager Paul Simpson has targeted a prosperous 2009 for Shrewsbury Town – after playing down any link with the vacant managerial position at Blackpool.

Simpson was one of the names banded around by the north-west media after Simon Grayson walked out on the Championship club to take up the hotseat at Leeds, and was also installed as second favourite by the bookmakers behind caretaker boss Tony Parkes.

But Simpson insists he is enjoying every minute of his time at the Prostar Stadium.

“I haven’t heard anything at all,” he said. “Football is a strange game and there are always rumours going around.

“It’s easy to say I am a candidate for it because I used to play there but it’s not something I am thinking about.”I’m loving every minute of it here. It’s a really good place to be.

“We are close to being in a good position and that’s what I came here for.

“I came here to get myself back on track again and try and achieve something for this football club.

“And I can’t make any bigger commitment than moving my family down here into the area and having a right good go at it.”

Simpson is refusing to be drawn on specific targets he is setting the team for the New Year.

“I’m not going to say I want to this or want to do that, I just want it to be a good one (year),” said Simpson.

“I want the performances and the success to reflect what we have got here with the stadium and the tremendous support we have had this season, we want to try and achieve something.

“I’m happier with this season that last season, that’s for sure. Last season was a real tough time.

“I’m fairly happy with how it has gone for this part of the season.

“We are halfway through. We are in a decent position but still believe we can be much better.

“I still think we need to change the squad around a little bit, try and move some out and get some fresh faces in and that’s what we will be looking to try and do.”