Nick Merry has felt the pain of a season of under- achievement at Oxford United more than most.

He had dearly hoped that he and his good friend Jim Smith would get the club back into the Football League at the second attempt after going so close the year before.

It didn't happen.

Indeed, it was never remotely close to happening.

And there was precious little joy in the cup competitions either, apart from one good performance in holding League One high-fliers Southend at home in the FA Cup.

But after Smith honourably chose to step down when it became apparent the team were not doing it for him, the person Merry and his fellow directors chose to take over the reins has gone on to prove a very wise appointment.

Darren Patterson may have found the job a testing one at the beginning, and results showed that during the early rebuilding stages, but the way they have finished the season, and the impressive way the former Northern Ireland international has gone about being the new No 1, have only confirmed Merry's belief that they made the right choice.

"It takes time for any manager to settle in, but Darren's proven his worth," Merry said.

"We believed he was the right choice when we appointed him and that view has only been strengthened over recent weeks."

There have been obvious highlights and low points for the Oxford United chairman from this season, a campaign that, despite the frustration of not challenging for the play-offs has seen some consistently good performances from certain individuals, like Luke Foster, Billy Turley, Barry Quinn and Adam Murray.

United will need the same next season, but with one of those consistent performers being a striker.

"There have been three or four who have had excellent seasons," Merry agreed.

"I think Foster has undoubtedly been the pick of them - he's been our star all season really.

"The low point for me probably was that 5-0 defeat at Rushden and maybe the highlight the 5-1 win over Farsley.

"It's not just about winning, or the scorelines, but the manner in which you play, and I think we've won in good fashion a few times recently."

Merry admits it will always be financially difficult for Oxford United until they own the stadium and can open up further revenue streams.

"It's a big loss for us this year, but we're pleased with the way the support has held up," Merry said.

"The fans have been fantastic, quite honestly, and we just hope they'll come back next season and we can give them a successful team to watch and one that is challenging at or near the top.

"We recognise that things haven't gone according to plan this season and that our supporters have once again gone beyond the call of duty, staying loyal, and continuing to come along in fantastic numbers.

"We dearly want to repay that loyalty with a winning team challenging for promotion next season, and with Darren, we are working hard to try to put that together.

"It has been a time or rebuilding and Darren and Mickey have turned things around.

"Now we will strengthen and assemble a squad who can deliver our dreams. We have two years' experience in this league and know what needs to be done to get out of it.

"One the playing side, I think people can see there's been genuine progress in the last couple of months . . . so much so, that we're really looking forward to the start of next season already."