FORMER Carlisle United manager and Cardiff assistant Ian Atkins has admitted his interest in taking charge of Exeter City.

Atkins left Ninian Park at the end of last month just weeks into a contract signed in the summer but is looking for a swift return to the game with the Grecians.

"Exeter is a great club which could be raised up and it is just the kind of challenge which I relish," he said.

The man in pole position at the moment however remains caretaker boss John Cornforth, who was promoted from coach following Noel Blake's early- season dismissal.

The Grecians will be without striker Steve Flack (ankle) and defender Neil Whitworth (knee). But on-loan Walsall winger Gary Birch may earn a recall on the left of midfield, as could Geoff Breslan on the right.

Updated: 11:46 Friday, October 05, 2001