As of July 2008 Ling is the sixth longest serving manager of a league club in England.

Leyton Orient manager Martin Ling has encouraged the club to renew his contract after rumours linking him to the vacancy at Swindon Town.

Ling, 42, told BBC London 94.9: "I have seven months left on my contract.

"My job is here at this football club. They tell me I'm doing a good job but I also have to protect my own back.

"If they have an interest in keeping. me, they should offer me a contract to keep me here longer. If they don't, then I have to look after my own back."

London-born Ling is the sixth longest serving manager of a league club in England as of July this year.

He was appointed manager at the club in 2003 after a spell as caretaker manager.

But despite speculation Ling says at this stage there is no truth in the rumours.

"It's all paper talk really. Swindon Town haven't been in contact with Leyton Orient and they haven't been in contact with me.

"There is no truth in the rumours. Where they are coming from I do not know, they aren't coming from my end that's for sure.

"If they have an interest in Martin Ling, approach the football club and then we'll have to answer the question."

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