LIAM Manning has been revealed as the new head coach of Oxford United, the club have finally confirmed.

The former MK Dons boss is believed to have pipped fellow candidates ex-United head coach Michael Appleton and Grant McCann, formerly of Peterborough United and Hull City.

Manning arrives at the U’s almost three months since getting the sack at MK Dons, in what will be the 37-year-old’s second managerial post in English football.

He is joined by Chris Hogg as assistant manager, who was also his number two at MK Dons.

As reported by the Oxford Mail yesterday morning, Craig Short, Leon Blackmore-Such and Wayne Brown will remain at the club.

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Manning told the United website: “I thank the board for showing faith in me and I want to repay that, first of all by ensuring the team pull away from any immediate danger and then by being part of a very exciting period in the club’s history.

“Oxford has amazing fans home and away, there are big plans for the future of the club and I can’t wait to get started.

“Obviously Craig and the staff have worked towards the Derby game all week, know the players and will be in charge today but I will be there to watch and offer advice if asked, and I look forward to meeting the supporters and staff and being part of a big club with even bigger ambitions.”

Chairman Grant Ferguson added: “Liam has a fantastic reputation as a coach and for helping to develop young players.

“His sides play with a sense of identity and purpose, and play attacking football and that is something that Oxford United have always tried to do.

“We had an outstanding list of candidates and as promised we went through a rigorous recruitment process but Liam was our unanimous choice.

“We would also like to welcome Chris and thank Craig and the staff who have all worked so hard over the last couple of weeks and who I am sure will be a huge help to Liam and Chris as we all try to turn results around this season and then build for the future.”

Manning, who will watch this afternoon’s home clash with Derby County from the stands, was sacked by MK Dons on December 11.

He took over the Buckinghamshire side in August 2021, leading to them third in Sky Bet League One during his sole full season.

In the play-off semi-finals last season, MK Dons were beaten 2-1 on aggregate by Wycombe Wanderers.

However, he was sacked earlier this campaign with the team second from bottom and enduring a run of just one win from 11 league games.

Prior to his time at MK Dons, the 37-year-old was previously in charge of West Ham United’s Under-23s and then Belgian side Lommel SK.

At West Ham, he helped oversee the emergence of England midfielder Declan Rice.

Manning takes over a U’s side currently 18th in the third tier, three points above the relegation zone.

Former head coach Karl Robinson was sacked on February 26, after a dismal run of results which saw United lose seven of their previous eight.

Robinson’s final game in charge saw the U’s suffer a tame 3-0 defeat at home to Bristol Rovers.

Short, assisted by Blackmore-Such and Brown, took charge as United made it eight defeats from nine at Lincoln City last weekend.