ANDY King will not be driven out of the County Ground by his detractors while director Bob Holt has dismissed the culture of 'Chinese whispers' surrounding the manager's role.

Speaking to the Evening Advertiser today Holt said there had been no discussions at board level about King's position, despite the rumour mill going into overdrive over the weekend.

Speculation included claims that King would be moved 'upstairs' with a fresh face coming in to lead the team.

It is all news to Holt who said: "We have not had discussions about replacing Andy.

"If he wanted to come to us to about changes to his backroom or coaching staff that had financial implications then obviously we'd talk about it. I am not aware of any rumours though. It seems to be a case of Chinese whispers."

The Town boss feels the size of his squad, the injuries he has suffered, and the fact his team are five points adrift of a play-off place, does not justify the venom directed at him.

Saturday's 3-0 win over Stockport County gave King something to smile about at last and he is clearly in fighting mood.

His only 'concession' to his critics ahead of the match had been to prevent his mother attending the game in case things turned ugly.

He said: "If it had gone against us it would have been a horrible place to be and I didn't see the reason for being put under that immense pressure.

"They won a minor battle in the sense that my mum didn't come but they'll never win the big battle. The only people who'll win the battle against me will be the directors if they say 'we think you've done enough for this football club, thanks very much and we now feel someone else can take this club forward.

"The directors will make the final decision.

"I am the manager of Swindon Town Football Club. It's the only job I know how to do."

In terms of the atmosphere at the game, the 'King Out' chant could be heard but the manager felt the supportive voices drowned them out.

The Town boss is an emotional character and he reflected that he may need to perfect the art of allowing criticism to bounce off rather than sink in.

He said: "Maybe I have to be not so personally hurt? There is a bigger picture, namely this football club and where it's going.

"This win has put us in a good position to challenge.

"It has not been my toughest week at this club, it's been my most annoying week.

"This squad is good enough to answer the critics, though."