DEREK Fazackerley says the appointment of Pep Clotet is an exciting one for Oxford United supporters.

The 40-year-old was formally unveiled as the new U’s manager yesterday and will work alongside No 2 Fazackerley and coach Chris Allen.

The duo are likely to provide the main source of information about the United squad over the next week or so while Clotet assesses the players at his disposal.

“Obviously we were a little bit surprised by the departure of Michael, but it’s a fantastic opportunity for him at Leicester,” he said.

“I have spoken in depth to Pep over the last two or three days and clearly he’s excited to get on with the job and try to continue the progress the club has made over the last few seasons,” Fazackerley said.

“There’s obviously a working relationship to be built up between the two of us and the rest of the staff, but I certainly don’t think I am a difficult person to work with.

“As we get to know each other and he gets to know more about the club, we can get on with the job in hand.”

Fazackerley says the new manager has been keen to know all about the United squad as quickly as possible.

“He has come in and seen the training sessions and has just been asking a bit more personal information about the players, their best positions, what type of players they are.

“We know we’ve still got a bit of work to do on the recruitment side and that will be one of the key things we will be focusing on.

“Though in an ideal world we would have liked one or two more players through the door, we have actually still got a good timeframe to get new people in.”

Fazackerley was high in many bookmakers’ lists to take over as manager himself, something he was quick to play down.

“I was a little bit surprised,” he said. “I know the football club very well and I am quite happy in the role I am playing.

“There will be a slightly different perspective on my role and Chrissy Allen’s role – and indeed that of the other staff – but it’s an exciting challenge and you have got to go into it with an open mind.

“With the background knowledge we have, knowing what has made us tick over the last couple of seasons, and with the extra input that Pep will have with his own ideas, it’s a fantastic opportunity for everybody.”