TOO often in sport - as in business life - there is an unseemly rush to make changes which are not necessarily the best choice.

Oxford United's troubled history is going through another chapter of

regret following the departure of their increasingly unpopular manager Malcolm Shotton.

Enough has been said on the subject of Shotton, including some harsh criticism from his players and much more basic phraseology from United's fans.

Now the call for Shotton's successor is in full cry with a number of the Manor's favourite sons in the frame for the manager's job. Among those linked with the job are Jim Smith of Derby County, Denis Smith (recently sacked by West Brom), Colin Todd, Garry Parker, Mark Wright and Ray Houghton.

If it's an 'old boys' club', why not 'Big Ron' Atrkinson, Dean Saunders, Billy Hamilton or John Aldridge?

Also linked as likely United managers have been Ian Atkins (ex-Northampton Town), Mark McGhee (ex-Reading, Leicester and Wolves) and Ray Clemence (ex Barnet).

It's amazing just how many managers are said to be interested in a job which will pay not-a-lot, is likely to have big knots tied to the purse strings and which will have seen a miracle performed if the U's are to get back into Division 1 by the time they make the long-promised stadium move to Minchery Farm.

It's reported the club has had 60 applications, but in my view they need look no further than tne name of the current caretaker boss - Mickey Lewis.

Mickey has improved dressing room morale and influenced a slight upturn in events on the pitch, though there is still a very long way to go, as he will readily concede.

A Cup win, a league draw and a victory over the old enemy, Reading, on Sunday will not have done Mickey's chances any harm.

He's a battler - and that's what United need this season. Someone to stand by the troops in the trenches at the foot of the Second Division and someone who can encourage, inspire and develop his talented youngsters.

Continuity is what is needed at the Manor - they've had little enough of that as changes have swept far too frequently through the club since the Maxwell era.

A fresh face may produce new ideas and methods - and no doubt get rid of many of the current playing staff - but change is not always the best option.

What United need now is the time to consolidate - and often the best way to do that is to go for a safe pair of hands.

Owner Firoz Kassam should Give Mickey Lewis the job until the end of the season at least. He'll get them through this period of uncertainty, he'll certainly improve the club's position in the league and - as always throughout his career - he won't let anyone down.

Mickey's not just the cheap option, though he probably comes at more of a bargain price than most of the names I listed earlier.

He knows the United set-up and has worked successfully at youth and reserve level. He's a thoroughly nice man, loyal to the club and respected by the players. The departure of Oxford's most knowledgeable football brain, Maurice Evans, to Reading before the weekend, will be a loss to the club and a blow to Lewis, who would have received valuable advice from the club's former manager, general manager and director.

But Mickey's also a leader in his own right and has shown - particularly through his commitment in first team action this season - that he won't ever shy away from anything.

He has the qualities to help United through these darkest of days. He should be given the chance to show everyone what he's worth. AFTER the resounding vote of confidence in the Queen from the land Down Under, it was fitting that Her Royal Highness should be in Cardiff to hand over the Rugby World Cup to the captain of the wiining Aussies. John Eales.

Just hours after Australia had voted to keep the Queen as head of state, it was Australia who proved to be the best rugby side n the world, defeating a subdued French team in what was a disappointing final.

The Aussies could be forgiven for wondering whether it was the Queen or themselves who owned the words 'Long to reign over us' as they lifted the William Webb Ellis Trophy for the second time.

They are guaranteed to reign over world rugby for four more years at least.

The Queen may have a shorter tenure!

Story date: Wednesday 10 November

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