Smith plays down role at Oxford

Smith has had two permanent spells in charge at Oxford

Oxford United caretaker manager Jim Smith says he does not want to be considered for a third spell in charge of the club.

Smith has taken control of team affairs since the sacking of manager Darren Patterson, but told BBC Oxford that he will not seek a permanent role.

"That's not the plan," said Smith. "I would love as long as I am here to win every game.

"That would mean the guy who comes in has a platform to build from."

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Smith, who is also club director, says he will be lending his experience to chairman Kelvin Thomas as they attempt to get a suitable replacement for Patterson.

"We are working together on that, [former chairman] Nick [Merry], Kelvin and myself," said Smith.

"I think the deadline is Monday for all the people who want to have an interview.

"We will go through that list and we'll select who we wish to come and see us, and it will be a collective decision.

"Obviously not a lot of people know Kelvin so I am getting the brunt of the phone calls. It has been very interesting and there are some very good candidates."