Mark Wright is one of the favourites to become Oxford United's new manager after walking out of Southport following Saturday's 1-0 home defeat by Dagenham & Redbridge.

The former Oxford, Liverpool and England defender is now a free agent and is known to be keen for a move into Football League management.

And I understand he was set to have talks with Oxford over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Wright, 37, quit Southport because of disillusionment at an apparent lack of ambition from the Conference club, who are remaining part-time.

Oxford asked for permission to speak to Wright last October, following Malcolm Shotton's departure but Southport refused to give it.

However, the timing of his departure from Southport could be perfect for United chairman Firoz Kassam. Caretaker boss Mike Ford has also said he wants the manager's job.

Meanwhile, Peter Fear's future with Oxford could be over after Kassam's meeting with the players today.

Exactly which players will be offered new contracts is expected to become clearer following Kassam's discussions with his staff at the Manor.

And while Rob Folland is one who may well get a late reprieve, following David Kemp's departure and his remarkable performance up front for the U's in their final game at Notts County last Saturday, I believe Fear will be released, mainly because he is on very high wages.

A former England Under 21 international, he joined United on a free transfer from Wimbledon two years ago, one of four "big signings" made in the summer of 1999 by the then manager Shotton.

Two of the other three, Andre Arendse and Derek Lilley, have already left, and the third, Steve Anthrobus, has already been told he will not be retained.

Kassam will have to make decisions on others who are out of contract, such as Matt Murphy, Lee Jarman and Jon Shepheard.

During Joe Kinnear's time at Oxford, he stressed the importance of a player like Murphy to the team, and it would be a surprise if a player who made 39 appearances this season was not offered a new deal.

But Jarman and Shepheard have been used only fleetingly.