KENNY Jackett has rejected renewed speculation linking him with the vacant managerial position at Vicarage Road.

The Millwall boss was tipped elsewhere to replace Aidy Boothroyd again this week, but the man himself revealed to News Shopper it is all news to him and said his focus was solely on Millwall’s promotion challenge.

Jackett explained: “I don’t know anything about that. I’ve had no contact or approach and as far as I’m aware the club haven’t either.

“I’m under contract at Millwall and concentrating on the Millwall job. There have been no discussions or approach from any other clubs.”

And how would the Lions chief respond if the Hornets did make their rumoured interest official?

“I don’t deal in ifs, buts and maybes,” added Jackett.

“I’m under contract here, I’m happy at the club and I’m focusing on the next two league games which are really important for us in terms of keeping pace, our progression and development.

“It is exciting, but it is a big challenge for us. We’ve got a London derby on Saturday at Leyton Orient and then Carlisle at home on Tuesday, who have just turned over a manager.

“They are big games for us and they are the ones we want to focus on.”

Millwall yesterday announced losses of just over £6m in a 13-month period up until the end of June.

The manager admitted this may impact on any transfer activity planned in January, but added this wouldn’t just be a problem for Millwall.

He said: “The January window will be very interesting for all of football to see what happens in terms of what overall impact the global economic situation has on our industry.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if it does affect it because I’m sure it will impact on every industry and we will have to see in January how many transfers there are and how much money is spent.

“It might be a little bit different this time than it has in previous years.

We’ve had a minimal amount of transfer fees here.

“Ben May was sold last year and I turned the money over quickly to buy Lewis Grabban and Dave Martin from Crystal Palace. In terms of money spent, they have been the only ones so far.

“A lot of contracts are up this year so January will be a very important time in terms of us making decisions to take the club forward.”

Ashley Grimes continued to make his case for a first team start with two goals in a 3-1 friendly win over Chelsea earlier this week and Jackett conceded he was becoming increasingly hard to ignore.

“I can’t see why he can’t get hat-tricks!” he joked.

“Seriously though, I’ve been very pleased and impressed with his progress since he came here on a permanent contract from Manchester City.

“It is nice to have young players bubbling underneath, it is right for the club and is healthy.

“While he hasn’t got much experience yet I’m sure that will change with the way he is going.

“In terms of him being involved on Saturday we will see, but he is in my thoughts and is pushing me for team selection.

“That is exactly where I want to be with all my young players.”

Millwall make the short trip to Leyton Orient for their only League One London derby of the campaign and Jackett is looking forward to what promises to be an intriguing encounter.

He said: “It is a great atmosphere there and was a very good game last year.

“Orient have won their last three games and the one before that was a draw with Yeovil, so they have picked up very well recently and are in good form at the moment.

“I’m sure it will be tight and it is a big challenge for us.”

Tony Craig serves a one game ban but Nadjim Abdou returns from his suspension.

However, a major question mark hangs over the availability of defender Zak Whitbread, who is struggling with a back and lower hamstring problem.

“We will see this morning whether he can make it or not but the odds look against us,” Jackett said.