James Rowberry: I'm focused on Newport County, not QPR job

The Exiles manager has been priced as favourite for the job at Loftus Road when Mark Warburton leaves at the end of the season.

Newport born and raised Rowberry is in his first campaign as a boss after replacing Michael Flynn in the County hotseat in mid-October.

The former Cardiff City coach guided the Exiles to third in League Two in mid-March before a poor run of results led to them slipping out of the promotion picture.

Nonetheless, his style of play and background with the Bluebirds’ academy has caught the eye.

One report said the R's have sounded out Rowberry but he said he was unaware of any approach.

County boss James Rowberry

“It's speculation and it shows where we are at in what we are trying to do and what we are trying to develop here,” said Rowberry, who is under contract until 2024.

“That brings a bit of attention but there is nothing really for me to talk about with regards to it.

“I am in a job and want to finish the season strongly, I want to finish on 72 points and get our home form back on track.

“My focus is Newport County. I am just concentrating on my job at Newport, which I am passionate about and focused on.”

“I back my ability, I back what I do, but it's never about me,” he continued. “It's always about my team, my staff, the club and the collective.

“As a leader of this club that is what I try to do. My passion first and foremost is coaching and managing and ultimately I want to be the best that I can be.

“I want to take Newport County places. I wanted to take Newport County up this year, I wish I had but I have another opportunity to do it... until I am told otherwise!”

County, who are 11th and could leapfrog Salford and Tranmere, end their season against Rochdale tomorrow afternoon.

Three points would take their tally to 72, more than they managed when making the play-offs in 2019 and one point behind last season's record high since the return to the Football League.

Rowberry wants to finish on a high – and end a four-game losing streak at Rodney Parade – but is already looking towards 2022/23.

“The planning in place, 99 per cent of pre-season is done and we are ahead of the game to where we have been in the past, which is pleasing, with regard to pitches and facilities,” he said.

“With recruitment, we are on track. It's difficult because of the four teams coming down and potentially the teams coming up.

“What we are competing with is a lot more challenging than we had this year probably. It's going to be a tough period in workload but I am confident that we can recruit what we need.”