BRISTOL Rovers have added another twist to the link between Burton Albion boss Paul Peschisolido and the vacant managerial post at the Memorial Ground.
Peschisolido on Friday turned down the chance of an interview — but Rovers chairman Nick Higgs claimed yesterday: “It was his agent who approached us.”
Higgs said: “We had an application from Paul through his agent, but we went to Burton’s chairman saying we needed his CV and permission to speak to him before we could do anything.
“Paul then said he would need to speak to his wife (Karren Brady), and then decided he didn’t want to come to Bristol.
“In the meantime, Burton’s chairman had upped his budget to keep him, so I think you can read two things into that.
We had never offered him the job or invited him for interview.”
Peschisolido strongly refuted he or his representative had instigated the first approach.
He said last night: “He (Higgs) can say what he likes, but I can assure you I didn’t apply for the job.
“I was called by a member of the board and asked if I’d be interested. I did say I’d have a think about it but then I told them I wasn’t interested.
“Why would I make an approach and then turn it down? It’s silly.” Peschisolido also challenged Rovers to name his representative, saying: “I would like to know who it is because I don’t have an agent.”
Albion chairman Ben Robinson denied more money had been made available to Peschisolido as he tries to keep the Brewers in the League Two promotion race.
He said: “That’s simply not true because Paul has not asked for an increase in his playing budget.”
Peschisolido dampened speculation about his future on Friday by saying he did not wish to attend an interview with Rovers.
A club statement said: “Burton Albion can confirm that Bristol Rovers have made a request to ask permission to approach manager Paul Peschisolido as part of the shortlisting process for the vacant managerial position at the club, alongside a number of other candidates.
“Paul Peschisolido has politely declined the opportunity to attend an interview at Bristol Rovers and, although he is flattered to be considered for this position, he is looking forward to continuing to build upon an encouraging start to the season made by Burton Albion in npower League Two.”
Peschisolido was reluctant to discuss the Bristol job after Albion’s 2-1 defeat at Plymouth Argyle on Saturday but he did tell reporters: “It’s a done deal that I’m staying at Burton.”
Meanwhile, the Brewers boss declined to comment on speculation linking him to a possible move for Hereford United midfielder Harry Pell.
He said: “I don’t comment on other club’s players because it’s disrespectful.’
