Colchester United's Peter Heard has played down speculation he could become the new vice-chairman of the Nationwide Football League.

The millionaire U's chairman is reported to be one of the favourites to replace the League's current vice-chairman, Ipswich Town chief David Sheepshanks, who is having to stand down following the Blues promotion to the Premier League.

Both Heard and Sheepshanks were last week attending the annual Football League chairmen's conference at Chester on Thursday and Friday.

Heard, only just back in the country after holidaying in France, said: "I have not spoken to anyone within the League for the past two weeks.

"I am not aware of any moves to make me the new vice-chairman, but the position is obviously something that will be discussed at the meeting."

Heard is already a member of the Football League Board and is also involved with one of the many Football Association committees.

League spokesman John Nagle said: "The position of vice-chairman may well be discussed at the board meeting before the actual conference gets under way."

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