OXFORD United captain Barry Quinn says new boss Darren Patterson has the backing of the dressing room.

But as someone who knew Jim Smith well - he was at Coventry City with the Bald Eagle - Quinn also feels some sadness at the way the former manager felt he had to step down.

Following Saturday's 3-1 FA Cup win over Northwich which set up a tie against Southend, the former Republic of Ireland international said: "It's a shame, for me personally and for a lot of the players.

"We are disappointed with the way it happened with Jim - I've got a lot of respect for him - but Darren's got great respect around the club.

"With the gaffer gone there's no-one better to take over than the new gaffer. Sorry, but it sounds funny sometimes calling Darren the gaffer!"

Quinn played an important part in the U's keeping a clean sheet in the second half against Northwich to seal their passage into the FA Cup second round.

And he said Patterson had told the players they needed to show their character by bouncing back, and with a strong 90-minute performance if they could.

"Darren stressed that we needed to produce a good response," said Quinn.

"It's not been an easy week with what's gone on.

"Last week was a nightmare so it was important that we dug in mentally as much as anything to get a win.

"Every team has injuries, but we've had a lot. However, with a lot of players coming back into contention soon, that's only good for the manager."