THE majority of leading candidates for the vacant head coach position at Oxford United have been interviewed, the Oxford Mail understands.

The U’s are looking to appoint a new boss after sacking Karl Robinson on February 26.

Robinson was dismissed after United lost 3-0 at home to Bristol Rovers, in what was the club’s seventh defeat in eight matches.

Craig Short, Leon Blackmore-Such and Wayne Brown took charge as the U’s extended their dismal run of form with a 1-0 defeat at Lincoln City on Saturday.

READ AGAIN: Why final months could tarnish Karl Robinson’s legacy at Oxford United

It is understood that last week, the first round of interviews were held with more than half a dozen of the leading candidates.

Other candidates have since come forward though and those will be spoken to this week.

Meanwhile, Charlton Athletic manager Dean Holden was heavily linked with the job at United over the weekend.

Oxford Mail: Click here to sign up to the Oxford United newsletter Click here to sign up to the Oxford United newsletter (Image: Newsquest)

Holden took charge of the Addicks for the first time on Boxing Day, overseeing a 1-1 draw against Peterborough United.

That point lifted the south east London outfit to 17th in Sky Bet League One, and they have since won five of their subsequent 13 games in the third tier.

That run of fixtures includes a 3-1 defeat at the Kassam Stadium in Holden’s second game, on December 29.

It has been reported though by South London Press sports editor Richard Cawley that Charlton haven’t received an approach from the U’s for Holden.

Second interviews with those spoken to last week are set to take place in the coming days, most likely with senior members of United’s board.

Upon publication, the current favourites with bookmakers are former Celtic man Neil Lennon, ex-United boss Michael Appleton, former Peterborough boss Grant McCann, and Liam Manning, formerly of MK Dons.