MALCOLM Crosby has admitted he made the wrong decision by leaving Oxford United when he passed over the job of being their permanent manager.

Crosby parted company with Derby County on Tuesday after mutual agreement with former U's boss Jim Smith, after a poor season saw the Midlands club languishing close to the Premier League relegation zone.

When Denis Smith resigned from United on Christmas Eve 1997, Crosby was placed in temporary charge.

But, after a 2-1 defeat at Charlton, Crosby's first five games in charge of United had left the side without a win.

He decided that management was not for him and passed up the opportunity of taking the job and Malcolm Shotton was appointed as manager. But now, after his jobs at both West Bromwich Albion and Derby went wrong, Crosby admits he should have stayed at the Manor.

"Looking back, I regret leaving Oxford and going to West Brom," he said.

"I should have given it longer and stayed on.

"I'm great friends with Denis and he wanted me to go with him to West Brom and that's why I did."

But both Crosby and Smith played down any thoughts of a return to the Manor for the former Sunderland boss who led the side to a FA Cup final.

"I've spoken to Denis because he's a really good friend, but I've not spoken to him about coming back.

"I don't think that it is an option in the near future.

"Besides, I'm a good friend of Mickey Lewis's and he's getting experience with the senior side and I wouldn't want to interfere with him."

Crosby admitted he would like to stay in football, but said he had no problem with the way things worked out at Derby.

"There are no hard feelings. It was a good experience and Derby are a very good and excellently run club.

"They are possibly one of, if not the best clubs I've ever worked with.

Crosby was at the Manor for just over four years, in which time he played an important role in the side's promotion to Division 1.

But, three years on, he admits that he still feels something for Oxford.

"Oxford are a fine club and in the position that they're in, if they can stay up, have had a successful season.

"They are good enough to stay up and the appointment of Denis as manager is a good move.

"If anybody can get them out of trouble, then Denis can."

Crosby still lives in Cumnor and made the 180-mile round trip to Derby daily.

He admits that he would prefer to stay in the area, but is looking to get straight back into professional football and so is prepared to move if he has to.

Story date: Saturday 19 February

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