Mickey Lewis thanked Oxford United’s supporters for their touching gesture after the final whistle in the 1-0 win against Hartlepool United last night.

Fans chanted “there’s only one Mickey Lewis” after the victory, which with United due to name a new manager this weekend, looks set to be his last game in charge as caretaker.

It was in contrast to the calls for a new manager from the travelling fans at Chesterfield last weekend, but Lewis was grateful for the show of support.

He said: “It does touch you and I really appreciate that.

“I thank the supporters for that. It was a bad weekend (at Chesterfield), but football is about ups and downs and we’ve had a great night.

“Hopefully we can take this forward and it kicks us on for the rest of the season.

“A new manager coming in gives us an extra spark as well, so let’s see where it takes us.”

David Connolly’s 77th-minute goal netted all three points for the U’, which halted a run of six games without a victory.

While Lewis was aware of the pre-match managerial developments, the imminent appointment was kept from the players.

It came as a surprise to Andy Whing, back in the side after four months out, but the midfielder was pleased Lewis and Andy Melville could hand over with a victory.

He said: “I didn’t know that at all and I don’t know what to say really, I’m speechless.

“I thought the performance was fantastic.

“We needed that and I'm delighted for Mickey and Mel that we got the win for them.”