Liam Manning is on the verge of becoming Oxford United’s new head coach, according to BBC Radio Oxford.
The 37-year-old, who was sacked as manager of MK Dons in December 2022, has been a candidate for some time and the latest reports suggest that the board have finally made their decision.
While this season was a huge disappointment for the Dons, last season was one of real excitement under the new manager. Manning guided his team to a third-placed finish (just one point behind second-placed Rotherham) but lost out to Wycombe in the semi-final. Like Oxford under Karl Robinson, Manning’s side were an attacking, free-flowing and high-scoring side that was comfortable in possession.
Manning also picked up his first Manager of the Month award just 11 league games into his tenure after gathering 11 points in five matches. He also scooped the award for January.
The young manager also has a reputation for developing young players, having spent some of his early coaching career with West Ham, Ipswich and New York City.
Yesterday, it looked as though Grant McCann would become the new Oxford manager. The 42-year-old reached the League One playoffs with Doncaster before winning the division with Hull.
Former U’s boss Michael Appleton had also been in the running for the job, while caretaker manager Craig Short had also expressed his interest.
