Those fans who thought it would be relatively easy for Oxford United to climb out of the Blue Square Premier can be in doubt today about the task facing the club.

Languishing in mid-table and still reeling from defeats to teams many had not even heard of (Histon and Droylsden), the team slumped to a new low this week when they were crushed 5-0 at Rushden & Diamonds.

As defeats go, it was nothing less than a humiliation.

United, with a rich heritage and proud pedigree, could have considered themselves non-league football aristocrats when they were relegated from the Football League in 2006.

Now they are close to becoming a laughing stock.

So what now for manager Jim Smith, who returned to the club for his second spell as a living legend?

No-one can knock his coaching credentials.

As manager of clubs like Portsmouth, QPR, Newcastle and Derby County, there is little Smith hasn't seen.

But the game has moved on in so many aspects since he started his management career as player-manager with Boston United in 1969.

And if he is in Spain today considering his position, who could blame him?

Oxford United desperately need fresh ideas and new impetus.

The question is, who is best-placed to provide it?