Applications to be the next manager of Oxford United have been pouring in.

Chairman Kelvin Thomas revealed yesterday he has had a remarkable number in already, plus many expressions of interest from agents representing managers.

Thomas says it’s essential the new boss has experience of non-League football, or of getting a team out of the Conference.

But he has already been encouraged by the quality of the applicants so far.

Speaking less than a day after Darren Patterson’s dismissal following United’s FA Cup exit at Torquay, Thomas – who only took over from Nick Merry a month ago – stressed he would be looking at several key criteria for the new man.

And among the qualities needed would be “experience, energy and passion” and “someone that understands this level of football”.

“We’re going to be patient, make sure we get the right person and make sure we give that person the resources this football club can afford,” he said.

“We are looking for someone that has experience of non-League level, or experience of getting out of non-League and somebody that will have an eye on the youth structure and bringing players through.

“We are looking at a lot of different criteria, we are looking for experience, energy, passion and someone that understands this level of football.”

It’s believed to be the first time Oxford United have held a proper process to appoint a new manager since Denis Smith’s first appointment in 1993.

Since then, United have employed 17 bosses, at an average of roughly one a year.

Asked about the interest in the post so far, Thomas replied: “You’d be amazed how much interest there’s been.

“We’ve had a lot of interest. There’s been probably a surprising amount in the first 24 hours. We’ve been very encouraged by it all.”

There are a large number of managers out of work, but United may also be competing with rivals Swindon Town, who are also looking for a new manager after last month dismissing Maurice Malpas.

For instance, the ex-Bristol City and Cheltenham manager John Ward, who recently left Carlisle, tops one list to be Oxford’s new manager, and he is one of those who has applied for the job at Swindon.

Others who might be in the frame for the Oxford job, according to the bookies, are John Hollins, Lee Sinnott, Andy Hessenthaler, and Steve Evans.