HARROGATE Town boss John Reed has been quick to pour scorn on suggestions he is in line to take over at his home club of Doncaster Rovers.

Just hours after news broke of boss Steve Wignall's departure from Rovers, the rumour merchants had put Reed in the frame to assume command.

However, Reed, who was at Doncaster's reserve match last night ahead of the FA Trophy showdown between the two sides, is 'more than happy' to continue his work at Town.

"It has come as a bit of a shock," Reed told the Evening Press. "I hope that it throws their preparations into disarray and helps our cause in the Trophy.

"I have been linked with the job by some people, but I haven't spoken to them (Doncaster) about it. I'm more than happy at Town.

"It is a Conference club, my home town team, and everyone wants to manage at the highest level, but I can't see how they can bring in a new manager if they are cutting costs?

"I've a gentleman's agreement with Mr Fotherby (Harrogate Town's chairman) saying I will be here for at least this season and next, and he is a man of his word.

"People could look at this and say I'm a free agent and go anywhere, but I'm a man of my word also."

Town's chairman Bill Fotherby has no doubts that Reed will continue at Wetherby Road.

He said: "I don't think there is any question of John going. I've every confidence John will see through the job here."

There is no doubting Reed's credentials in the lower leagues, having won seven promotions at previous clubs, while this season's record of just one defeat is only matched by Martin O'Neill at Glasgow Celtic from all the leagues in Britain.

Added Fotherby: "I very much doubt whether Doncaster could afford to take John from here."

Wignall's departure has certainly overshadowed both teams' preparations for the FA Trophy clash.

The game will give Town an early taste of the life they crave in the Conference.

But despite the disruptions and a two-division gap still to bridge, Reed knows it will not be easy.

"It is going to be exceedingly difficult," he said. "They are one league above us and have one player who gets more than our entire squad in Justin Jackson.

"You've got to be realistic - it is going to be a very, very difficult game, but it is not beyond the realms of possibility that we can win. It would be a fantastic scalp if we could.

"We certainly are not going to go there and pack the midfield and defence. We will go with two strikers and two wingers and have a go at them," said Reed. "The only way to defend is attack

"It will be a very open game - I've watched them three times and they like to attack and will attack at every opportunity - I can see it being the side with the best defence who wins."

The only doubt for Reed is over former York City man Iain Dunn, who pulled up with a hamstring strain in the 3-0 victory over Harrogate Railway on Tuesday.

However, Dave Merris, Jason Harris, Michael Bowes and Darren Beasley are all added to the 17-strong squad which will travel.

Doncaster will have a side packed with Football League experience, with former York City players Andy Warrington, Neil Campbell and Paul Barnes in the squad.

Justin Jackson and Jamie Paterson are both former Halifax Town players, while Barry Miller was at Division One outfit Gillingham.

Doncaster Rovers: Warrington, Marples, Sandwith, Miller, Squires, Owen, Paterson, Kelly, Campbell, Whitman, Tierney. Substitutes (from): Barrick, Watson, Jackson, Barnes, Sale, Gill.

Harrogate Town: Connor, Atkinson, Aspin, McNaughton, Merris, Hunter, Bonsall, Bowes, Beasley, Whellans, Harris. Subs: Donaldson, Elliott, Blackstone, Ball, Hudson, Dunn.

Updated: 12:23 Friday, January 11, 2002