Darren Patterson believes he has "more than stabilised" Oxford United now after five months in charge.

The U's boss (pictured) approaches his 30th match as manager - against Farsley Celtic at the Kassam Stadium today - convinced that, on the playing side, the club have made big strides.

A team that was losing at places like Droylsden and Tonbridge, and getting hammered at Rushden, now look a much more professional unit and, as he says, "we have a go at teams, we're on the front foot".

Patterson, who took over at the start of November when Jim Smith stepped down following the 5-0 defeat at Nene Park, admits he wishes United had made more progress.

His 29 games to date have brought 10 wins, 6 draws and 13 defeats.

But he feels sure that all of his signings have strengthened the team.

And in the future nearly all deals will be short-term ones, for one year rather than two, to keep players motivated.

"I feel we've more than stabilised a side that was on a very slippery slope," he said.

"There's now a consistency in work ethic and in the quality of passing the ball and creating chances.

"What we need to do is convert those chances that we're creating, on a more regular basis.

"But I don't think anyone would dispute that we're playing some very attractive stuff at times. We're playing attacking football."

He added: "We've stabilised rather than really kicked on. Yes, I would have liked us to have been winning more frequently, but with what I had available, I don't think even Mr Mourinho, on super vitamins, could have done a better job."

Patterson, who has several targets he would like to bring in during the summer, hopes to have a budget which allows him to build a promotion-challenging team.

"I'd like to have what all the other managers before me have had, that's all," he stated.

"If I just have that, I know I can bring in some very good players.

"But short-term deals are the way forward.

"I speak to a lot of other managers all the time, and when I spoke to Graham Turner at Hereford, I asked him what was the biggest mistake he made in his first few years - he said offering two-year deals, and he wouldn't do it again.

"Every deal will be incentive- based."

These could mean one-year deals where a second year kicks in once a player has made 30 or 35 starts, or simply ones with big incentives for goals, or clean sheets.

Young defender Matthew Willett, from Headington, will be presented with the Kevin Durham Memorial Trophy today.

The under 16 player, who can play at centre back or full back, has been chosen as the outstanding Oxfordshire schools player this season.

He will be presented with the award by the late Kevin Durham's brother, Tony, and mother, Maureen.