Former Peterborough United boss set to stay put despite interest from other clubs, Cobblers defer managerial appointment until the summer

The 62 year-old was appointed manager at Rovers in December when the club were sliding towards a second successive relegation. They were second from bottom having lost 10 games in a row.

Evans, who still lives in a village near Peterborough, has since guided Rovers to 26 points in his 19 games in charge to move them 13 points clear of relegation with seven games to go.

Evans told the BBC: “I have spoken with the chairman and said enough in that long telephone conversation for me to instruct the people that look after me to stop talking to three other clubs."

Evans managed Posh for 11 months from February 2018. He was sacked with the club in a League One play-off place to make way for the return of Darren Ferguson.

Meanwhile relegation-haunted Northampton Town have confirmed Colin Calderwood will remain as manager at Sixfields until the end of the season. Cobblers sacked Kevin Nolan last month, but will now wait until the summer to appoint a replacement, probably ahead of a season in League Two. Calderwood was Nolan’s assistant.

Cobblers chairman Kelvin Thomas told the Northampton Chronicle and Echo: “We made the decision on Kevin and you’re hoping that makes a difference results-wise but, unfortunately, it hasn't. That's disappointing in itself and it does change the decision.

"We have identified a couple of managers who are currently in jobs and we have a big decision to make on what we do next, but I think we've now decided that Colin and the staff will remain in place until the end of the season.”

Cobblers are next to bottom in League One, seven points from safety with seven games to go after a run of one win in 19 matches.