Cheltenham manager Steve Cotterill has again turned down the opportunity to join Oxford United, despite an improved offer from chairman Firoz Kassam.

Cotterill turned down the first offer of the Manor Ground hot-seat when Kassam spoke to the 36-year-old last week and, despite improved terms, the answer yesterday was still a firm 'no'.

But Cotterill admits that Kassam wouldn't give up and was very persuasive in trying to lure him away from Whaddon Road.

It's understood that Kassam promised the Cheltenham boss one million pounds to spend on new players and a big bonus for keeping the U's in Division 2.

"Oxford were very persuasive and everything was very nice and done in the right way." Cotterill said. "I'm thankful of the way they went about everything and wish Oxford well. But the point is I started a job at Cheltenham four years ago and haven't taken it through yet. I'm part of the building process here.

"I watched a training session with my coaches and could never imagine leaving the bunch of lads I have at the moment."

Instead, Cotterill signed a two-year extension to his contract at Whaddon Road which still has 18 months to run.

Kassam was given permission to talk to Cotterill about coming to United by Cheltenham chairman Paul Baker. "I always had a feeling that Steve might stay with us," said Baker. "We have a good working relationship and the team are doing well. It's brilliant news for Cheltenham Town, although one day we realise that it will be time for Steve to move on."

Oxford's search for a new boss now goes back to the drawing board with Kassam refusing to comment on the next step.