DERBY County boss Jim Smith is adopting a wait-and-see policy before making any move for Oxford United's Paul Powell.

While United are desperate to sell a player as soon as possible to pay their staff, and to be able to pay the players their November wages next Monday, Smith, the former U's manager, seems in no immediate hurry to bail out his old club.

He said: "Yes I watched Powell and he did quite well, but we haven't done anything one way or the other as we stand."

Derby have now signed former England international Tony Dorigo, who was at Torino last year, until the end of next season to operate in the left wing back position.

Smith has confirmed that he sees Powell as "one for the future" but his problem may be in trying to persuade his directors to splash out on a player who is unlikely to be thrown in to Premiership action for a while.

He may argue, though, that, with Oxford desperate for even a cut-price sale, there are bargains to be had.

Smith will probably wait until the 20-year-old from Didcot returns from Italy, where he plays tomorrow for the Football League Under 21s against a Serie B Under 21 Select, before instigating any talks.

United's assistant manager Mark Harrison said: "There were 16 scouts and managers watching the game on Saturday and if they weren't impressed by Paul then they never will be."

Meanwhile, United defender Simon Marsh has joined Powell in Italy after receiving a late call-up for the Under 21s.

He would have impressed everyone and the thing was, that he did it from what was the wrong side for him, because he was playing out of position really.

"It would be a crying shame to have to lose him but that's the price you often have to pay at a smaller club."

"What we are hoping is that two or three clubs come in for him because that can then raise the price if they start bidding against each other."

The public meeting organised by the United supporters' group FOUL (Fighting for Oxford United's Life) at Oxford Town Hall tomorrow (7.30), looks set to endorse the campaign.

FOUL committee members, who distributed leaflets publicising the meeting to supporters attending United's gama against Port Vale on Saturday, were delighted with the response they received from the fans.

Judging by the numbers who announced their intention to attend the meeting, the group is confident it will be well attended. FOUL organisers want to try to fill the 550-capacity hall.

Confirmed speakers at the meeting include Oxford City councillor Alex Hollingsworth - in whose ward the Manor Ground is located - United's education officer Dave Nash, Thames Valley FM's Jerome Sale, Malcolm Nickirk and Craig Brewin.

Nickirk is a solicitor who represented AFC Bournemouth supporters in their successful attempt to create a community club and Brewin in national treasurer of the Football Supporters Association.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.