THE man who could eventually replace Jim Smith as Oxford United manager stepped up to the plate yesterday after a dramatic backroom reshuffle.

Darren Patterson was appointed Smith's first-team coach as the club dispensed with the services of Andy Awford and reserve team coach Shaun North.

There is no suggestion that 66-year-old Smith is ready to move on yet, but many fans feel former Northern Ireland international Patterson would be the perfect successor, eventually, and especially if he could spend a spell learning from one of the most experienced managers in the English game.

Patterson, who was briefly manager last season, for three games following the sacking of Brian Talbot and before the Nick Merry/Jim Smith takeover, is highly respected, and this season he guided United's youth team to the Puma Youth Alliance South West Conference title.

One of the main reasons for dispensing with Awford and North, who were brought to Oxford United by Smith from former club Portsmouth last year, is that the club will not be running a reserve team next year.

Instead, the reserves will play friendlies at times, and against opposition, which suits them better for developing their own players.

And Patterson's new role will be ideal in the club's aim of bringing through some of their talented young players.

"I'm very excited," Patterson said.

"I'm very disappointed for Shaun and Andy, both good lads, but in football things happen, things change.

"The opportunity to work with someone of Jim's stature, and obviously with his history - his record is second to none - is fantastic.

"I've done the youth team now for four years, with just a couple of stints (as caretaker-boss), and making the step-up to work with pros is something I've wanted to do."

Merry, United's chairman, said in a statement: "With the increased focus by the club on player development - particularly young players - the combination of the experience and management expertise of Jim Smith and the coaching and development skills of Darren is ideal for the club moving forward."

Smith said: "Obviously I've worked with Darren while I've been at the club and respect his ability and his enthusiasm, and he will do a super job, of that I'm convinced."

Explaining why United were making the move now, with five league games left, director Kelvin Thomas said: "Basically we're now in the process of planning for next year, and those plans don't include Andy and Shaun.

"We felt, as a board and as a club, it was best for all concerned - and Andy and Shaun agreed - that it happened at this moment."

Patterson took first-team training yesterday, although with Awford and North still at the club in the morning, that was probably an uncomfortable and difficult situation for him.

Smith admitted that having to tell Awford and North that they were no longer required was "very difficult".

Patto, who has great drive and enthusiasm, might just give that extra impetus they need to both get into the play-offs and then through them.

"He has the respect of the players, there's no doubt of that," Smith added.

Les Taylor has taken over Patterson's youth team responsibilities until the end of the season.