He was brought in as the man to save Oxford United, the big name that supporters had called for.

But while Joe Kinnear's short stay at the Manor Ground achieved much, it was ultimately one of frustration.

When it was announced Kinnear would be joining the club as director of football on November 1, he was given one simple mission by chairman Firoz Kassam: "Keep us up."

The appointment gave fans renewed optimism that United - a team labelled 'the poorest in living memory'- could actually beat the drop, despite having just five points after 16 games.

Kinnear warned fans to expect a dramatic change of personnel, but remained defiant that he could change things around.

"I've been in this position on numerous occasions before with Wimbledon and I wouldn't have come here if I didn't believe I could do the same," he said.

After seeing United lose at home to Bristol Rovers in his first match in his new role, he helped secure the permanent signing of Northern Ireland international striker Phil Gray.

He soon signed Keith Andrews and Keith Brown on loan, and all three made debuts as United recorded their first away win of the season with a 2-1 victory at Swansea.

Another victory quickly followed in the FA Cup at Macclesfield, but a slump then set in which saw United still well adrift at the foot of the table.

Kinnear's honesty was never in question. He was always frank and went up in estimations when he attended a meeting organised by supporters group FOUL.

And he didn't pull any punches.

"Whoever brought in the last group of players here has a lot to answer for," he said.

"There are too many average players at this club and we can't even give them away."

Kinnear was becoming constantly frustrated in the transfer market. Offers went in for a number of players, but most were rejected.

However, new life was breathed into the team with arguably the club's greatest transfer coup of recent years.

Kinnear signed 15-goal striker Andy Scott and midfielder Robert Quinn from Brentford in a combined deal worth 150,000.

Along with the emergence of exciting 17-year-old Chris Hackett, many thought the corner had been turned with a 2-1 victory over promotion-chasing Walsall two weeks ago.

But defeats against Colchester and Peterborough in the last week - games they simply could not afford to lose if they are to stay in the second division - means that relegation is now a near certainty.

Read more on Kinnear's departure on This is United