Dearden, who celebrates his 63rd birthday on Sunday said "I am not really thinking beyond this season but I said when I came if I was enjoying it then I would want to stay on." he told the Nottingham Evening Post on Friday.
Dearden is only contracted until the end of the season, but could well be offered a new deal should things turn out ok, which at the moment is more than likely.
"I have never lost my enthusiasm for the job or this club. The time I do is the time I will pack it in."