New Oxford United boss Brian Talbot says he's got bundles of energy to bring to the job.

The former Ipswich and Arsenal midfielder is 51, but he is full of enthusiasm and drive for the challenge of trying to get United out of Coca-Cola League Two.

"I know it's not going to be an easy job, you've only got to look at the number of managers they've had in the last few years," he said.

"But I've got a lot of energy to put into this."

Talbot led Rushden & Diamonds to the Division 3 title in 2002-3, so he knows what it takes.

He said: "I've got quite a bit of experience of this division. There is a way of playing at this level, of achieving success at this level.

"You've got to be physically strong, you've got to be a battler, if you like, as well. You can't just pass the ball willy-nilly, you've got to be strong and I'm sure we will be.

"First and foremost, you've got to have decent players, who have got the right attitude.

"You've got to be good together, you've got to be strong in this league and good at set-pieces, both attacking and defending.

"Teams in this league are very equal, there's not a massive amount between them."

Talbot yesterday met the United players as a group and intends speaking to them all individually over the next few days.

He was unable to go to the reserves' game against Millwall Res last night because of a prior engagement.

Having only realised he was going to become Oxford's manager at the end of last week, he already has some appointments he cannot get out of.

Another is tomorrow when he is doing a Cup Final preview item for TV.

"I spoke to the players as a group," he said. "They were quiet, but there's always a bit of uncertainty and suspicion when a new manager comes in, that's quite normal."

Talbot added: "I know there's a lot of hard work to be done. David Oldfield has got to guide me because he obviously knows the players here far more than I do.

"I want players who are committed, players who work hard and players who are prepared to help each other on the pitch. I need players who want to show the manager 'yes, I want to play for the club'.

"Players are going to be coming in and I want those who are going to be part of a successful set-up.

"I've already made some phone calls and identified one or two names and whether they want to come here or whether they are available.

"But Oxford is a club which can definitely look forward to going up, they've been in this division too long. It's a case of doing something about it and getting them up.

"You look at the place, it's a fantastic stadium, the chairman is ambitious. I think he's disappointed that he's had to change the manager so many times.

"I want us to excite and entertain, but also get results. I don't enjoy it when the ball is constantly in the air. I want my team to pass the ball, I want them to entertain, attack and play with no fear and to play with freedom.

"But like most fans, I find it exciting when the ball is in the penalty area, so it's important that the players work towards that and deliver good crosses."