The Screamer: I've never thought of leaving, says Wenger

The 58-year-old Frenchman has rebounded from a lean spell to form a side who are strong contenders to win him a fourth Premier League title and are unbeaten in all competitions since April.

Wenger said: 'I've never thought seriously about leaving though I don't know if the board ever thought to dismiss me. I do my job as best I can.

'I am still here because I have built a new team and I want to see what I can achieve with them. I have had opportunities to leave but I've decided to stay because I think I have the best job.'

Wenger has an enforced break from his usual routine when most of his players go on international duty after playing at Reading on Monday, but he said: 'I'm always busy doing the work I cannot do when we play, like paperwork and contracts. I'll be watching games every night. There is always football.

'I am quite lost on holiday but the holiday period is the transfer period. I can sit on the beach with my phone. I have met players at the beach before.'

Jim Smith has resigned as manager of Blue Square Premier side Oxford and will be replaced by assistant Darren Patterson for today's FA Cup first round tie with Northwich.

The former Portsmouth, Newcastle, Derby and QPR boss has been involved in management for 39 years.

Derby keeper Stephen Bywater is turning to martial arts in an attempt to take out his frustration at propping up the Premier League.

Bywater, who faces his former club West Ham at Pride Park today, said: 'It's a release of energy — a mix of martial arts, like judo, ju-jitsu. I train with some mates and if we lose on a Saturday it's great to beat the hell out of someone. Mind you, the gaffer doesn't know I do it.'

Phil Neville believes Chelsea's recent revival under Avram Grant faces its sternest test so far, at Stamford Bridge tomorrow, after Everton's run of five straight wins.

The Everton skipper underlined soaring confidence levels among David Moyes' side as he reflected on a UEFA Cup win in Nuremberg.

Neville said: 'There is a confidence and maybe a bit of a swagger developing about the team. 'Steven Pienaar and MIkel Arteta really make us play. We are looking forward to Chelsea. We feel we can just go there and enjoy it.'

Cardiff striker Robbie Fowler will see a specialist in Germany next week about his hip problem.

Fowler, 32, who was troubled by the injury while at Liverpool and Leeds, will be treated by renowned sports injury surgeon Dr Hans Wilhelm Muller-Wolfhart, whose former patients include Michael Owen and Ronaldo.

Brian Laws aims to put fellow Sheffield boss Bryan Robson under pressure by leading Wednesday above United for the first time in six years.

United's game at Stoke is a 5.20pm kickoff, when Wednesday will have moved a point in front if they beat Southampton at Hillsborough.

Steve Cotterill says he would return to football immediately if he received the right job offer following his departure from Burnley.

Cotterill, 43, left by mutual consent following a run of one win in 10 games. He said: 'I'd be back in football the day after tomorrow if I got a chance.'