DENIS Smith claims he has put his reputation on the line by taking over the hot-seat at the Manor.

Smith was announced as the club's new manager yesterday, replacing Mickey Lewis, who had been in charge since November.

An alarming dip in form has seen United drop into the relegation zone, and prompted chairman Firoz Kassam to shuffle his pack and bring Smith back to the club where he was in charge from 1993-97.

Smith walked out on the club to take the manager's job at West Brom, but was sacked from The Hawthorns before the start of this season.

Kassam has turned to the 52-year-old to try and save United from a second successive relegation.

"I wouldn't have taken the job if I didn't think the players here had the quality to keep us in this division - I've got my reputation to think of after all," said Smith, who will work at United without a contract.

"I have one objective and one aim - and that is to make sure that Oxford United don't get relegated this season. "People often say that you shouldn't come back to a club, but I have a lot of affection for Oxford," said Smith.

"We have got a good squad of players here and you mustn't forget that they were Division 1 players last season, so have quality.

"But we've got to make sure we start winning games and picking up points, and we have to start on Saturday.

When Smith left Oxford, some fans felt that he walked out on a sinking ship, but deep down most realise that he is a good manager.

"Some fans will welcome me back and remember us getting up to fifth place in Division 1. Others won't like me because I sold players like Matty Elliott and Joey Beauchamp, but don't forget that I brought Joey back!

"If things go wrong from now, it's all my fault, but I can assure you all that if things don't work out, then it will not be through the lack of trying."

Smith has 18 games left to rescue United, who are fourth from bottom. His first game in charge will be against Blackpool tomorrow, when he will renew acquaintances with Steve McMahon.

The duo clashed several times in Smith's first spell at the club when McMahon was in charge at Swindon.

Tomorrow's game is vital for both sides,and Smith is expected to keep faith with the majority of players who lost to Preston on Tuesday.

Blackpool look like being without injured central midfielder Steve Bushell. He will travel down with the squad but is rated as doubtful.

Chris Lumsdon, signed this week on loan from Sunderland, is set to start in his place.

THERE will be a minute's silence before kick-off in memory of Martin Aldridge, the former United and Blackpool striker, who was killed in a car crash last weekend, and former Headington United boss Harry Thompson, who has died aged 84.

As a tribute to Aldridge, a Northampton fan, where Martin started his career, has set up a book of condolence on the web.

Any supporters wishing to add their mark of respect should visit the website at: http://web.ukonline.co.uk/ntfc/memorium.htm.

Story date: Friday 04 February

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