Jim Smith says he will still be heavily involved at Oxford United, despite having handed over the managerial reins to Darren Patterson.

Smith stepped down last week after 20 months as U's boss, as 38-year-old Ulsterman Patterson took charge of the team.

Smith, who is staying on as a full-time director, intends to give his successor as much help as he can in his new job.

While Patto will be in charge of everything to do with preparing the team for matches, and the selection of players and tactics, Smith will be around to offer advice and make use of the contacts he has built up during five decades in the game.

The Bald Eagle was certainly a busy man yesterday.

He said: "There's a lot of things I'm going to be involved in, it'll be a very varied job. I'll be helping Darren as much as possible."

Smith will also be looking at ways of trying to bring money into the club.

It appears United's FA Cup second-round tie against League One high-fliers Southend United is going to be overlooked by the TV companies for live screening.

But Smith is hoping satellite broadcasters Setanta will show a strong interest in screening their glamorous international friendly against Guinea at the Kassam Stadium on January 8.

"I've already spoken to Trevor Easton at Setanta regarding that game," Smith said.