"Hands off Sturrock' warn Town

Ian Holloway tendered his resignation as boss of the Championship side yesterday, and the Swindon Advertiser understands that Argyle, armed with a hefty compensation package from Holloway's imminent departure to Leicester City, would be likely to make an approach for their former boss.

Sturrock had a successful spell with the Pilgrims, masterminding their rise from the bottom division to the Championship, before resigning in March 2004 to take over at then Premier League outfit Southampton.

He has remained close friends with Argyle chairman Paul Stapleton since his departure from Home Park and it is also believed he still has a house in Devon.

However, yesterday Swindon Town director Bob Holt said the club have had no contact with Plymouth and are determined to hold on to their man.

"We have spoken to Paul this morning and there has been no approach from Plymouth or anybody else," he said.

"We certainly would not welcome one either, and we do not comment on what is pure speculation."

Meanwhile Pilgrims fans believe that if Sturrock was to return, he would be treated like a hero.

Dave Trevaskus, of the Plymouth Argyle Supporters' Trust in Avon (PASTA), said: "Sturrock is a legend in the eyes of the fans, and 90 per cent of them would want him back. "He had a clause in his contract allowing him to leave for a Premiership club and you can't hold it against him for wanting to test himself at that level. He would be welcomed back here with open arms for everything he did for the club." And Keith Mitchell, of the Plymouth Argyle Supporters' Club spokesman Keith Mitchell said he wouldn't be surprised to see Sturrock return. He said: "I know he's still friendly with the chairman, he's still got a house down here, he still spends time down here and apparently his wife never wanted to move in the first place. "I wouldn't be a bit surprised if the chairman made an approach for him."