GLENN ROEDER has distanced himself from the suggestion Sven-Goran Eriksson has been lined up as his successor by remaining totally focused on becoming the man to bring silverware back to Newcastle United.

Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd denied last night that he had made contact with former England coach Eriksson's representatives about the manager's job, while coming out in support of the man presently in charge.

It was also suggested that Shepherd had drawn up a list of possible replacements, including Charlton's Alan Pardew, after a disappointing first full season in charge for Roeder.

However, the Newcastle boss, who has already spoken to his chairman about summer signings, is unruffled and is looking forward to the opportunity to put his own stamp on the squad.

Having failed miserably last summer and in January to seriously strengthen his squad, Roeder's only cash buys from his first year in charge have been Damien Duff and Obafemi Martins - at a combined cost of £15m.

With funding promised to bring in players of quality in the summer, he aims to do his wheeling and dealing quickly and expects a completely different look to his squad come August.

But Roeder, who is likely to off-load Titus Bramble, Craig Moore and Oguchi Onyewu when their contracts expire, knows how important it is to get things right for the new campaign.

"It's never just a job. It's too much of a responsibility to be given this chance," said Roeder, knowing that three points at Portsmouth tomorrow would still keep faint hopes of European football alive.

"That is not giving the position the justice it deserves. I am so determined to bring success to Newcastle and I think like any new business the first couple of years are the hardest.

"You have to get through those and I hope in two years' time I will have survived and will have my own squad by then.

"Basically I am working with other managers' squads. Martins is mine, Duff is mine and Sibierski is mine. But the squad has to be strengthened.

"Next year I will be happy to accept the responsibility for where Newcastle need to be. But people have to understand that it was impossible to do that this year with a dozen injuries and I can't wait to write Michael Owen's name on my team-sheet for a starter."

Eriksson's link with the post yesterday morning highlighted the profile such a position as Newcastle manager has, with the Swede apparently looking for a job in the Premiership.

But Shepherd said: "Is it April Fools Day? Any talk of Sven-Goran Eriksson or anyone else is utter garbage."

Stuart Pearce has slammed the short-term nature of life in the Premiership and admitted managers' jobs are more insecure now than ever.

After surviving intense pressure over his own position, Pearce was staggered to learn Fulham axed Chris Coleman in the wake of Manchester City's 3-1 win at Craven Cottage on Monday.