CRAIG Short says Liam Manning was ‘filled with a lot of indecision’ when choosing whether or not to stay at Oxford United.

Ultimately the 38-year-old opted to leave the U’s, to take on the head coach role at Sky Bet Championship side Bristol City.

It meant Short oversaw United’s 5-0 win against Chelsea Under-21s in the EFL Trophy last night.

He said: “Liam told me what was happening so I was prepared to be taking control of this game and Saturday.

“There are a lot of mixed feelings for people and it’s been a difficult time for the club of course.”

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Short, who confirmed that last night’s team had already been picked, added: “Transfers as a player happen really quickly, and in my coaching career, I’ve been sacked one day and gone into a job the next day.

“An opportunity like that came up and are you going to say no to it? How many people would say no to it? It could be life-changing for you.

“A lot of people here are very disappointed he’s gone, of course they are. I enjoyed working with him and he was good to me.

“I know he was filled with a lot of indecision and it was a hard decision for him. He took a long time to make it. Hopefully it’s the right one for him and his family.”