IT was always going to happen. As soon as Gordon Strachan announced that he would be quitting his job as manager of Premiership side Southampton, it was only a matter of time before the name of Yeovil Town boss Gary Johnson was mooted as a possible successor (writes Steve Sowden).

But Johnson has been quick to deny the speculation linking him with Southampton.

"It's all paper talk at the moment although I'm flattered to be linked with a Premiership club," he said.

Other possible candidates for the job when Strachan steps down at the end of the season include Plymouth Argyle boss Paul Sturrock, Paul Jewell of Wigan, Wales international manager Mark Hughes and Leicester City's Mickey Adams.

One pundit said to me this week, however, that if Sturrock got the Saints job, then Johnson could be a prime target to replace him at Plymouth.

But, for the time being, it would seem that Johnson would rather be a Glover than a Saint.

Johnson has been linked with a number of jobs in the managerial merry-go-round, but one would think he is determined and honourable enough to see out his contract at Yeovil and try to take the club as far as possible.

But fans know that one day Gary Johnson will leave for pastures new. It is not often in recent times when supporters fear the worst when a manager departs, but there will be tears of sorrow when Johnson -- the man who has given the town so much to shout about in recent years -- leaves Yeovil.

Johnson, meanwhile, and his assistant Steve Thompson were on the road yesterday (Wednesday) on a scouting mission to look at possible new players.

Thompson said: "We were at a game on Monday as well and I don't think it's a secret that we are looking at strikers. But we are always looking at all sorts of players."

There was speculation earlier this week that Yeovil were trailing Raith Rovers striker John Sutton who has scored 14 goals so far this season and is the brother of Glasgow Celtic star Chris Sutton.

Yeovil striker Jake Edwards was due to make his comeback appearance following suspension last night (Wednesday) in the Pontins Holiday Combination League match with AFC Bournemouth at Huish Park.