THE search for Oxford United’s next manager is under way, with supporters already full of ideas about who should fill the hot-seat.

Chris Allen, No 3 under Michael Appleton, heads the betting with some bookmakers offering odds on the next permanent boss.

And Derek Fazackerley, the U’s assistant, is also prominent.

But it remains to be seen whether chairman Darryl Eales feels he wants to upset the current structure by appointing either of those – if indeed they are interested in the job.

Appleton’s departure means the U’s have the ability to employ a new No 1 without making any other changes to their backroom team.

An outside appointment, therefore, would mean the chosen man will need to be happy working as part of the existing set-up and not want to bring his own staff.

It seems likely that Fazackerley could be a key man in helping to find the new boss.

His experience, knowledge and contacts may prove invaluable to Eales, presuming the 65-year-old is happy to continue in his role as a No 2.

Dave Jones, the Sky football presenter who is a member of United’s board, is also likely to have an input.

A selection of the many names being linked with the job include Paul Tisdale, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Ashley Westwood, Chris Powell, Steve Cotterill, Nigel Adkins, Alan Archibald and Lincoln manager Danny Cowley.