Patterson had been under pressure from disgruntled Oxford fans

Blue Square Premier club Oxford United have sacked manager Darren Patterson.

Former U's manager Jim Smith, now a club director, has been installed as caretaker boss and will take charge for Thursday's match against Mansfield.

Oxford chairman Kelvin Thomas said: "Darren is a very honest, hard-working young manager who has given everything he had to the role.

"However, we feel that a change of manager and a change of direction is needed at this time."

606: DEBATE Who should Oxford appoint to replace Patterson?

Patterson, 39, who joined the coaching staff at the Kassam Stadium in 2002, became manager just over a year ago.

Results this season have been disappointing and Oxford are currently 16th in the table.

Patterson's last game at the helm was a 2-0 defeat by 10-man Torquay in the FA Cup second round on Saturday.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version