Saunders 'sticking with Wrexham'

The Wrexham job is Dean Saunders' first managerial appointment

Wrexham chairman Geoff Moss insists Dean Saunders will not leave the club as the Racecourse boss was linked with the vacant position at Derby.

Saunders has lost just one of his 11 league games as Wrexham boss after replacing Brian Little in October at the Blue Square Premier club.

"Dean is not going anywhere," Dragons chief Moss told BBC Sport Wales.

"He told me he is staying at Wrexham as he has a job to do here by getting us back in the Football League."

Former Wales international Saunders is charged with inspiring the famous North Wales club back into the Football League following their relegation into non-league last season.

606: DEBATE Deano is a passionate Welshman and will want to do his utmost for a Welsh club especially Wrexham who are the oldest of us all clingondrum

Saunders created a little bit of Wrexham history as his five-match winning league start to his Racecourse reign is the most successful start to a managerial stint in the club's 136-year history.

The former Derby, Liverpool and Aston Villa striker has guided the club to eight wins from 11 Blue Square games, losing just one at Kidderminster Harriers.

So the highly-rated young coach, who assisted Graeme Souness at Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United, will attract attention from bigger clubs.

The 44-year-old is one of Championship club Derby's top managerial targets after Paul Jewell left Pride Park last month.

Burton manager Nigel Clough heads a list of four candidates for the managerial vacancy.

But Rams caretaker boss Chris Hutchings, Peterborough manager and former Wrexham captain Darren Ferguson and Saunders are also understood to be under consideration

Wrexham chairman Moss, however, insisted there has been no approach for Saunders and issued a hands off warning.

He said: "I didn't need any other reassurances than Dean's word because he is a good friend.

"He's a passionate Welshman and wants to achieve things at Wrexham."