OXFORD United's caretaker manager Mickey Lewis announced after last night's 5-0 reserve victory that Les Taylor will be his assistant manager.

And Lewis paid tribute to all the staff at the club who have made him feel welcome since he took over from Malcolm Shotton three days ago.

"All the staff here have been absolutely brilliant," he said, "right from the players down to the office staff.

"Les Taylor and Ken Ridley have been doing all sorts of jobs for me this week, but I'd just like to confirm that Les will be my assistant while I'm here.

"He's been in the game long enough, knows what he's doing and will do a good job for me."

Lewis has brought a new lease of life to the side, who, under Shotton, were in freefall, losing their last five games and sliding into the relegation zone.

"I've had a really good response from the players and this is the perfect start," he added. "It's been brilliant," said winger Jamie Cook. "Lewy's come in and been very lively and enthusiastic. In training, he has been buzzing and really encouraging everybody.

"I was happy with how I was playing under Malcolm, but I wasn't getting the chances I thought I should have done. Hopefully now that Mickey's come in, I will."

Central defender Phil Whelan, who was virtually cast aside by Shotton, said: "Everybody looked like they wanted to play tonight. The whole team played well and passed it about nicely.

"It had got to the stage where everybody was going stale, whether that was Malcolm's fault or not I don't know, but tonight it was a pleasure to play."

Story date: Thursday 28 October

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