MALCOLM Crosby last night gave the clearest indication yet that he might not be remaining at the Manor for long, writes JON

MURRAY.

Denis Smith's former assistant, now No 2 to new United boss Malcolm Shotton, gave a broad hint to fans at an open meeting at the Supporters Club that if Smith came in for him at West Brom, he would go.

So far, Oxford have had no approach and Smith has been told to work with his current coaching staff, but fans were left to wonder whether that will remain through the summer.

Shotton appeared to rule out any move for his former teammate John Trewick as a coach should Crosby eventually join Smith at The Hawthorns.

"I rate John highly as a player, I just don't know him as a coach," Shotton said.

Last night's sell-out forum, of around 150 paying guests, demonstrated Shotton's huge popularity among the fans.

Shotton insisted the signing of giant striker Kevin Francis would not turn United into a "long-ball" team and Crosby defended the club's sale of Bob Ford to Sheffield United for only £400,000, confirming that was the only offer they received for the midfielder.

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