STEVE Riley last night rebuffed Wimborne Town’s advances, claiming he had “unfinished business” at Bashley.

Managerless Magpies on Monday made an official approach to talk to Riley about replacing Alex Browne, who resigned as boss of the Zamaretto Division One strugglers last week.

But following informal discussions this week, Riley told the Cuthbury board he would be staying at the Recreation Ground.

Riley told the Echo last night: “I had a phone call from Wimborne and from my point of view, I told them exactly how it was with me and my position at Bashley at the moment.

“The board at Bashley are backing me and my ideas for next season. We’ve got six to seven players already committed for next season and I instigated that, so there was no way I could walk away.

“I could have had a more formal chat with Wimborne, but I’m not interested in the job and I didn’t want to waste their time.

“I’m happy where I am and happy with what we are trying to achieve. From a footballing point of view, it would have been wrong for me to walk away.”

When asked if he had been tempted by the Magpies’ approach, Riley added: “There were all sorts of rumours flying around. One even suggested I was going to buy Wimborne!

“It’s always nice to be wanted and I’m flattered by the interest but I am wanted at Bashley and that’s important.

“I have enjoyed my time at Bashley and I have still have unfinished business there.

“Every season we want to stay in the league, but we have more ambition for next season and I hope we can get a better start and see where it takes us.”

The Magpies board were understood to be conducting some interviews at Cuthbury last night, with Sherborne Town boss Mickey Spencer and Poole Town coach Steve Cuss possible candidates.

Others linked with the vacancy include former Hamworthy boss Phil Simkin, Christchurch manager Graham Kemp and former Cherries midfielder Marcus Browning.

Gosport Borough chief Alex Pike and Alex Browne’s brother Simon, the current Hamworthy boss, have already ruled themselves out of the running.