Lee Steele, the former U's striker who returned to haunt Oxford United and get the new era off to a bad start, could ironically be poised to do exactly the same again.

Speculation is rife that manager Jim Smith may be set to step aside following a series of poor results, culminating in last week's 5-0 defeat at Rushden.

The Sun, Daily Star and TalkSport were all claiming yesterday that the Bald Eagle has made up his mind to stand down.

His position will be discussed at a board meeting tonight with fellow directors Nick Merry and Ian Lenagan, but 67-year-old Smith is reported to have told friends that he is ready to "move upstairs" and become the club's sporting director.

Who would take over as U's boss is less clear, with Darren Patterson, his No 2, the most obvious choice.

However, supporters' group OxVox last week urged chairman Merry to advertise the post.

Smith is by no means certain to go. He was under extreme pressure a month ago following United's humiliating 3-1 defeat at part-timers Droylsden, but Merry came out publicly a few days later to back his good friend, saying he was convinced Smith could still turn it around.

If there is to be a change in the management structure, the new incumbent will be faced with what appears to be a good opening game, against strugglers Northwich Victoria at home in the FA Cup first round - but with the spectre of Steele hanging over the tie.

It was Steele who snatched Leyton Orient's winner in their dramatic 3-2 victory on the final day of the 2005-6 season that ended United's 44-year stay in the Football League - just seven weeks after Smith had taken over as manager.

After a season at Chester, scouser Steele has recently joined the Vics and has made seven appearances for them, but has yet to find the net.