Former MK Dons head coach Liam Manning has been appointed the new manager of Oxford United.
The 37-year-old, who led the Dons to the playoffs last season after missing out on the automatic promotion places by just one point, was sacked by the Buckinghamshire club in December following a poor start to the season.
Manning will bring his former Dons assistant head coach Chris Hogg, while interim caretaker coaches Craig Short, Leon Blackmore-Such and Wayne Brown will remain at the club.
He replaces Karl Robinson who was sacked after a dismal run of form which included seven defeats in eight games, with the other match ending in a draw against MK Dons.
Speaking to the club’s official website, chairman Grant Ferguson said: “Liam has a fantastic reputation as a coach and for helping to develop young players.
“His sides play with a sense of identity and purpose and play attacking football and that is something that Oxford United have always tried to do.
“We had an outstanding list of candidates and as promised we went through a rigorous recruitment process but Liam was our unanimous choice.
“We would also like to welcome Chris and thank Craig and the staff who have all worked so hard over the last couple of weeks and who I am sure will be a huge help to Liam and Chris as we all try to turn results around this season and then build for the future.”
Manning added: “I thank the board for showing faith in me and I want to repay that, first of all by ensuring the team pull away from any immediate danger and then by being part of a very exciting period in the club’s history.
“Oxford has amazing fans home and away, there are big plans for the future of the club and I can’t wait to get started.
“Obviously Craig and the staff have worked towards the Derby game all week, know the players and will be in charge today but I will be there to watch and offer advice if asked, and I look forward to meeting the supporters and staff and being part of a big club with even bigger ambitions.”
