CONFERENCE club Southport have turned down Oxford United's request for permission to speak to Mark Wright about the vacant manager's position at the Manor Ground.

But the former England defender, who has already indicated an interest in taking the Oxford job, says: "If they really want me, they need to come and get me."

There has been no direct communication between United and Wright. But, on Tuesday, Denis Smith asked the Southport chairman for permission to talk to him. However, this was turned down.

In the meantime, Oxford awaited Cheltenham chairman Steve Cotterill's decision and he too turned them down.

Now United may return to Wright, if a compensation deal can be worked out with Southport, where he is under contract.

Wright said last night: "Of course I would be interested in coming to Oxford, but there would be a lot to be sorted out.

"Oxford asked for permission to speak to me and my chairman's not granted that, though he's waiting to see what happens now after the weekend.

"I'm not in the habit of just going somewhere for a good salary. Things have to be right. I've built a good side at Southport, we're fifth and can go third if we win our game in hand, and I'm allowed to strengthen the squad here at the level that we operate in. To go to Oxford and manage at Football League level would be great, but it's all about being able to manage a second division club and for all the things around the club to be right. That means the stadium being built, having money to strengthen and so on.

"I can't say I'm disappointed that permission was refused because I've got a job to do at Southport and they want to keep me because they believe I'm doing a good job. But if a club really want a certain person they come and get them."

Southport is Wright's first job in management, but he says there's no reason why young, inexperienced managers shouldn't be successful.

"David O'Leary was only an assistant at Leeds United and had no experience, but he's done pretty well there. It's all about people getting in at the right time," he said.

"In time I hope to move on. When that time will be, I don't know, it's up to Oxford if they want me, but maybe they're looking at someone else."