Jim Smith has dropped the first hint that he may be considering his future as Oxford United manager.

While seeing his side crash to an embarrassing 5-0 defeat at the hands of Rushden & Diamonds last night, Smith had to listen to United fans making their feelings known throughout the second half.

Chants of 'Smith Out' rang around Nene Park, and when the supporters asked the U's boss for a wave, they booed when he obliged.

United were 3-0 behind in just 14 minutes, and despite being on the end of a vociferous half-time team talk, conceded twice more at the start of the second half.

Although Smith's position has been questioned before, he has always vowed he is going nowhere.

However, he could not do that last night, saying he will 'probably' be picking the team for their FA Cup game against Northwich a week tomorrow.

Asked whether he will remain in charge, he replied: "That will be between me and the chairman.

"I only want what's best for Oxford United.

"I have no doubt that I will probably be picking the team next week."

United gave a shambolic defensive display, with central defenders Chris Willmott and Phil Gilchrist, in particular, run ragged.

"We gave them three soft goals and it was always a mountain to climb after that," he added.

"There were experienced players out there who did not do themselves justice tonight and who cost us simple goals.

"Billy (Turley) has been one of our best players all season, but he lets them have a real soft goal.

"And then a long ball straight down the middle gives them another goal, despite having two experienced central defenders there who should have dealt with it.

"If I could have made nine substitutions at half-time I would have done."

Although United were forced to field a young team due to their big injury list, Smith admitted it was no excuse.

"We maybe had too many young players out there, but they have got to do better than that," he said.

"There wasn't enough pride out there - we didn't put ourselves about enough.

"I wouldn't say the players don't care, some out there - more senior players - could have done more about it though.

"We have got to regroup now and make sure that we are ready for the next match because the FA Cup is now a huge game and a huge competition for us.

"Relegation was the lowest moment since I came back here, but that's right down there.

"There hasn't been a lot said in the dressing room.

"It isn't the time to steam into players straight after."