It is the biggest decision a football club has to make. While Gary Waddock would not have been the name on the lips of most Oxford United fans as the search started to find a replacement for Chris Wilder, everyone must now get right behind the new manager for a big final push this season.

U’s chairman Ian Lenagan conducted a thorough interview process to find the man he believes can lead the club to promotion. And this weekend, he put his trust in Waddock, a man who has achieved promotions with both Aldershot and Wycombe in the lower leagues.

The new head coach – his official title at United – takes charge of his new side for the first time tonight as the U’s travel to Southend in Sky Bet League Two.

With just eight games remaining, every Oxford United fan will be hoping that his arrival can spark an upturn in fortunes for a side whose promotion bid has hit the buffers in recent weeks.

A vital win over Hartlepool on Friday, in Mickey Lewis’s last game as caretaker manager, ended a torrid run of results.

Now is the time for everyone to unite and shout the U’s to more positive results in the run-in and secure at least a place in the play-off positions.

Lewis was given a fine send-off by the Oxford supporters, and news that he is to stay as No 2 to Waddock is great news.

We share the hope of all Oxford fans that it will prove the managerial combin-ation that can achieve the ambition of everyone – to see League One football at the Kassam Stadium next season.