ALAN DEVONSHIRE insists he is fully focused on Hampton & Richmond Borough after failing to land the Cambridge United job.
Beavers boss Dev was on the short-list to replace Gary Brabin at The Abbey Stadium after taking Hampton up three leagues in six years. He had an interview with Cambridge last week, but on Monday they plumped for former Leyton Orient boss Martin Ling.
Devonshire said: "I'm not that bothered about it really. I'm just focused on Hampton now, with the Blue Square South season kicking off in a week's time."
Ling's appointment certainly brought sighs of relief for everyone at Beveree.
Club spokesman Stefan Rance said: "Alan went for an interview last Monday, and we were contacted by Cambridge at the end of last week to thank us for letting them speak to him, but they would be taking it no further.
"There is certainly no shame for Alan in coming second or third to someone with the experience of Martin Ling. Although we would have been delighted for Alan, we are also relieved he is still with us."
Before the big-kick off at home to Basingstoke on Saturday week, Devonshire will cast his eye over a few more trialists.
His only summer signing so-far has been Havant & Waterlooville midfielder Jamie Collins.
But Dev admits he will probably sign former Basingstoke striker Dave Tarpey and ex-Maidenhead midfielder Ashley Smith, who have both impressed in pre-season.
However, his mind is still not made up on former Burnham frontman Leon Yarnie. Tuesday night's 3-1 defeat to Northwood saw Dev look over a few more potential signings, including ex-Hayes and Sutton keeper Kevin Davis.
But for last night's friendly against Wycombe, the Beavers boss was aiming to get his first team out, with a similar line-up against Luton tomorrow.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people enjoyed the club's fun day, held at Beveree on Sunday, which included a celebrity six-a-side tournament.
