CRAIG Short has lifted the lid on what it was like during Liam Manning’s final day at Oxford United.

The former head coach’s departure to Sky Bet Championship side Bristol City was announced yesterday afternoon, with Short named as interim boss.

Ex-Blackburn Rovers defender Short said Manning was at United’s training ground with Chris Hogg yesterday morning to collect their belongings and say their farewells to the staff.

READ ALSO: Interim boss says Liam Manning was ‘filled with a lot of indecision’

Short said: “It’s a whirlwind for him and I don’t think he’ll have had much sleep. He turned up at the training ground with Chris Hogg, and they were clearing their desks and getting their stuff.

“They gathered all the staff together to say goodbye and there was talk of him addressing the players, maybe by Zoom or something like that.

“I don’t know if that’s going to happen. When I’ve been sacked at clubs, I always wanted to say thank you to the players and goodbye.

“He’s not been sacked, but I’m sure he wants to say his thank yous. He says the reason he’s got this move is because of the players and how the players responded.”

It is the second time Short has taken interim charge of the U’s this calendar year, also doing so following the sacking of Karl Robinson in February.

Despite improved displays, Short oversaw defeats against Lincoln City and Derby County, prior to Manning taking over.

Although he threw his hat into the ring to replace Robinson earlier this year, Short ruled out going for the managerial job this time.

He said: “I went for it last time because I wanted to keep my job. I expected to go.

“I love it here, my family are here. I enjoy what I do, and I enjoy working with these staff and these players.

“I’d like to think I’ve got a lot of respect from these players and I’m very happy doing what I do.

“Hopefully I can give the new manager some support when he comes in.”

Short though is set to take charge when United make the trip to Leyton Orient on Saturday.

He said: “I’m lucky I’m at a good club. The management above me are very well organised and have put some good things in place.

“I’ve got really good staff here helping me for this brief period.”

He added: “Last time I was in this position, it was a tough place to be. I wanted to get a result at Lincoln and then we didn’t get a result against Derby.

“Then Liam walked in the door and we started to grab a few points. I’d like to have thought I got performances out of the players.”