Former Oxford United manager Denis Smith has admitted that he was given the push from the Manor Ground by the man he recommended for the job!

Smith, who was first-team boss at the start of last season but was then asked to step down to an advisory role when results failed to improve, parted company completely with United last weekend.

And he revealed that new boss Mark Wright was his choice to lead the club into a new era.

Dennis Smith

"I've got to be honest, I recommended Mark to the chairman," Smith said. "I think he's a very good, young manager who will do well for the club."

So it was ironic that Wright should have to phone Smith a week ago to tell him that his services were no longer required.

"Mark phoned me and had a chat about it, and I can understand him wanting to start afresh. I wished him and Ted all the best. I've been impressed with Mark and the way he has gone about things.

"He reminds me of myself when I was younger and starting out in management.

"It's encouraging for the club that he wants them to play a passing game - that's good for the lads who've been brought up on passing a ball since they were ten or whatever."

Smith has always maintained that, despite the rough ride he has had from many fans, he has a genuine feeling for the club.

And he would not reveal whether he was disappointed that things didn't work out for him as manager.

"I have not really been there (involved at the Manor) since September and even then I spent most of my time in hospital.

"I think the club are at a period when they need to be looking to the future and not looking back.

"The club are in a division they certainly should not be in and I really hope they can get out of it and start climbing back up."