Sunderland U21s boss Graeme Murty says he won't rule anything out when asked about a possible return to management. However, the former Rangers manager has stressed reports linking himself with the vacant managerial role at League One side Oxford United did not come from him and that he's happy on Wearside.
Murty, who managed the Gers for a period during the 2017-18 season, was one of the frontrunners to take over at Oxford after they parted company with long-serving manager Karl Robinson. The 48-year-old has spent the majority of his coaching career working in the youth set-up of Southampton, Norwich, Rangers and now Sunderland, in roles he feels he's best suited towards.
The Black Cats U21s boss has drifted in the bookmakers odds - now at 33/1 on Bet Victor at the time of writing. The young Wearsiders have shown clear signs of improvement under Murty since he took permanent charge of the Lead Professional Development Phase, working alongside John Hewitson.
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When asked about the links to Oxford, Murty said: "I've been having loads and loads of phone calls. Loads of people have been calling me and asking me, nothing in the press has come from me. Make of that as you will."
When asked if a return to management could be on the cards, he said: "I'm really enjoying doing what I'm doing at the moment. I think I'm suited to developing young players.
"I'm suited to working in this environment and I've got to say the club have welcomed me with open arms. So, I'm really thankful for the opportunity. I would not rule out anything out, but as I said, nothing that's been spoken about has come from me."
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