 Parkinson was appointed manager of the U's in February 2003 |
Phil Parkinson insists he is happy at Colchester, despite reports linking him with vacant managerial posts - including that of neighbouring Ipswich. The 38-year-old has led the U's to the second tier of English football for the first time in their 69-year history.
Despite the job speculation, he told BBC Sport: "I am in no rush to leave.
"But if the chairman said he had given me permission to speak to someone, I would listen to what they had to say - like anyone else would."
It has been claimed that Parkinson is on Ipswich's wanted list following Joe Royle's departure from Portman Road on 11 May.
But such a move would not go down too well with the U's supporters, who have already seen their rivals prise away one of their fresh-faced managers in recent times.
It was 12 years ago that George Burley left Layer Road after six months in the job to fill the managerial hot-seat at his former club Ipswich.
 |  It is exciting times at Layer Road. We have just been promoted and there is a new stadium on the way |
The move proved a costly one for the Suffolk club, resulting in them losing a �150,000, plus costs, compensation battle for the Scot, who is now in charge of Southampton.
And while Parkinson had also been linked with the Nottingham Forest post earlier in the season, the former Reading midfielder insists he is content with life in Essex.
He said: "It is exciting times at Layer Road. We have just been promoted there is a new stadium on the way - although it will not be ready for next season - and we have a good squad of young players.
"We will be looking to improve things in the summer but will also concentrate on getting one or two of the players signed on new contracts.
"It has been a great achievement for the club this season and there are exciting times ahead."
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