PAUL Sturrock insists his widely anticipated return to Plymouth Argyle is "not a done deal" - despite sources close to the Home Park club revealing they could unveil him as their new manager as early as today.

Speaking after his side's tempestuous 1-0 derby win over Bristol Rovers on Saturday, in which both sides had two players sent off, Sturrock again dismissed the rumours as "pure speculation" and assured Town fans there had been no approach from his former employers.

The Plymouth directors held a board meeting on Saturday, after which they announced they were looking for a "swift resolution" in their search for Ian Holloway's successor.

The Swindon Advertiser understands Sturrock is top of the Pilgrims' wish-list, and that no other candidates are being considered.

But as the Advertiser went to print, Town director Bob Holt said the club was still waiting for an approach from Argyle.

Reports in the Daily Mail that Sturrock had already signed a contract with the Devon coast club turned out to be premature, but the Scot was keeping his cards close to his chest on Saturday night.

He said: "I don't really like talking about things like that when there's nothing positive or factual about it.

"I can assure you there's no done deal.

"As far as I'm aware, there's been no contact from Plymouth Argyle. I think they are looking at many managers.

"I'm a professional man and I'm very flattered but football is what it's all about.

"At the end of the day specualtion is speculation and I don't really want to discuss it."

Asked if things could change in the days to come, Sturrock replied: "We'll just have to wait and see."

Town fans made their feelings known with several prolonged chants of "Paul Sturrock's red and white army" during the derby clash with Rovers, but many believe Luggy may have spent his last afternoon in the County Ground dug-out.

Some supporters are already discussing Sturrock's potential successor, with Martin Allen and Glenn Hoddle just two names to appear on an internet poll this week.

Meanwhile Town skipper Hasney Aljofree, who played under Sturrock at Plymouth, has pleaded with his mentor to remain in Wiltshire.

Aljofree was unsure though whether Sturrock would be in charge for the visit of Forest Green Rovers in the FA Cup at the weekend.

He said: "Obviously it's going to come back to Paul Sturrock because of what he did at Plymouth Argyle.

"He's a bit of a God down there if I'm honest with you.

"If you speak to any fan down there they would want him back because of what he did previously.

"He got two promotions there and left the club in a good state, so who knows?

"Hopefully he will stay with us, and despite what's gone on behind the scenes we can do this all together.

I'm sure he wants to take this club forward but who knows?

"The players have just got to get on with it. We're here to play football for this club.

"We can't do anything about speculation."