Darren Patterson says that he wouldn't have accepted the Oxford United job if he didn't think he would be a success.

The former Northern Ireland international, who was the club's youth team coach, was yesterday unveiled as the new U's manager after Brian Talbot was relieved from his duties after seeing Oxford slip to their lowest-ever position.

Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Stockport saw United fall to 22nd in the Football League, having managed just eight victories from 35 matches.

Bill Smith and Brendon Cross, brought in by chairman Firoz Kassam last week to take over the day-to-day running of the club, acted quickly to relieve Talbot of his duties.

They have handed Patterson a contract until the end of next season, with a year's extension should he keep United in the Football League.

Patterson, who took charge of three games as caretaker manager last season, becomes the eighth permanent appointment under Kassam's ownership, but the 12th different person to pick the team.

"I am absolutely thrilled to be handed this chance," Patterson said.

"I am very proud and excited about the prospects - I have a whole mixture of emotions at the moment.

"I had a very brief spell in charge before and that whetted my appetite - when I was told, I jumped at the opportunity.

"I feel I am up to the job, I am confident in my ability and I hope that I can make a big difference here."

Patterson says that he is under no illusions as to his task at the Kassam Stadium.

"I am fully aware of the situation and what is expected of me," he said.

"My only aim is to keep this football club in this division.

"It is the biggest challenge of my life, but one that I am relishing and am confident that I can achieve."