Ian Atkins vowed to continue trying to rebuild Oxford United after the club finally announced that he had signed a new two-year contract with an option for a further year.
Ian AtkinsAtkins, 45, has also now been given the title of manager, after doing the job of a manager while officially director of football since his appointment last November.
The deal was done a fortnight ago but, for reasons which are unclear, the club delayed announcing it until yesterday.
Ironically, chairman Firoz Kassam had told the Oxford Mail only a few hours earlier that he had no announcement to make.
There has been no word yet about Atkins's No 2 or any other backroom staff.
But I understand reserve and youth team coach Mike Ford is likely to become assistant manager, the job he has effectively been doing, and someone will be brought in to oversee the youths.
Kassam said yesterday: "Ian is a very experienced manager who has enjoyed considerable success with Colchester, Birmingham City and particularly with Northampton Town.
"I know he is the man to take us forward."
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