Ron Atkinson, Lennie Lawrence and Steve Coppell are just three of the managers Darren Patterson has learned a great deal from - and so too is Jim Smith.

At his unveiling as the new U's boss, Patterson revealed there had been many influences on him.

But he was essentially his own man.

"I've had a lot of different managers, some laid-back some pretty harsh ones," he said.

"I am my own man in every way, though I've picked up little bits and bobs from Ron Atkinson, who was a fantastic motivator, from Lennie Lawrence, who was a very clever, quiet man, Steve Coppell who was also very quiet but a very astute man.

"You pick up lots of different things from different managers and hopefully that will stand me in good stead and help me on the way."

But Patterson said Jim Smith's knowledge has also been immense.

"I've learned a great deal under Jim - it's been fantastic," he added.

"It's actually bitter-sweet for me, I'm obviously very disappointed for Jim.

"The ideal scenario was that we got promoted and then if Jim decided to move on, then we send him off in the way he deserves. But it hasn't happened like that."

And Patto's arrival may see an end, in time, to wingbacks.

He admitted: "I prefer to play 4-4-2, that's my system, but at this moment in time I've got to pick a team, and tactics, that suits the players that are fit and available, and are here now.

"Long-term, that's how I want to play."