Graham Rix is set to be given a contract as Oxford United's manager which will take him through to the end of next season.

A settlement has been reached with former boss Ian Atkins and a statement is likely to be prepared in which, I understand, no blame is attached to either party for him leaving.

Atkins was suspended a month ago after Bristol Rovers announced he was to become their manager from the summer.

The agreement to terminate his contract at Oxford opens up the way for him to begin working at Rovers.

Rix, meanwhile, looks set to accept the take-it-or-leave-it offer that has been put to him. He has been desperate to get back into management after two years in the wilderness.

He can now get down to planning for the future, but supporters have mixed views about his appointment, because he has yet to win a match.

In the five games since he took over on a temporary basis, the U's have taken just two points from a possible 15 and have slipped to seventh in Division 3.

Rix said he spoke at the start of the week to Firoz Kassam, who has been abroad, and the United chairman gave him his full backing, telling him to carry on the work.

"So far he has backed me on what I've wanted to do," he said.

Rix takes his team to Darlington today urging the players to show some courage.

He said: "It's time for everyone to stand up and be brave.