MICKEY Lewis will take the routine pre-match press conference today amid increasing speculation surrounding Oxford United’s search for a permanent manager.

It is expected to be business as usual at Roman Way this morning, as the caretaker boss is preparing to pick the team for his 12th game in charge, at home to Hartlepool United tomorrow night.

Earlier this week, supporters’ trust OxVox called on U’s chairman Ian Lenagan to make a decision ahead of the game.

The Oxford Mail understands significant progress has been made behind the scenes this week, but it is looking increasingly unlikely anything will be in place before the weekend.

Both Accrington Stanley boss James Beattie and Paul Tisdale, Exeter City’s manager, have been linked, but there has been nothing official to give the rumours substance.

One person not in the running is Martin Allen, who figured prominently in the betting after Wilder’s exit.

The 48-year-old, who won the League Two title with Gillingham last season, was yesterday appointed for a fourth spell at Barnet.