Arguably the biggest decision Kelvin Thomas has made in his role as Oxford United chairman was sacking former manager Darren Patterson and appointing Chris Wilder.

A lot of bigger names were linked with the U’s job, but Thomas, along with Jim Smith, bucked the trend and decided to go through an interview process for the position.

The next Oxford United manager was going to be the first real test of Thomas, and one that has revived the club.

“Sacking Darren was a very difficult decision, but one at the time I felt I had to make for the club,” he explained.

“ It would have been easy to be knee-jerk, but we took a more strategic approach to the next appointment and Jim Smith and myself went through each interview with an open mind.

“Chris stood out at the first interview and then again at the second.

“We felt the other candidate (John Ward) was good also, but I think we decided on Chris because of his experience at this level and apparent desire for this job. “And it is fair to say Chris has been magnificent since he arrived.

“His record is second to none, but what is good for me is that we are very similar in our approach which I think has been good for both of us. “Chris knows that he has my support and hopefully this gives him confidence in making his decisions. “I am confident in him as I see his passion. We both share the drive and desire to take this football club forward, and we both understand that it is going to take hard work.

“It is good to have a manager with the same work ethic and he instills that in his players and staff too.”

Much has been written and spoken about the future of Wilder, and being linked to other jobs is inevitable with Oxford riding high.

But just how afraid is Thomas of his manager leaving for another club?

“I don’t think afraid is the right word,” he said.

“Of course, as I have said, there is always going to be speculation around Chris, and with any player or member of staff who is successful.

“Them leaving would have an impact on the club, but we have to back ourselves to continue with our development, and continue moving forward.

“Chris has made a wonderful impact, and it is great to see how the fans and staff have taken to him.

“I believe that he has breathed a life into this club which is infectious, but we are all working hard, including Chris, to put structures in place that will lay the foundation for the future, whoever is the manager of this club.

“I still want, and hope, that Chris can first take us into the Football League and achieve his ambition of managing at the highest level possible all with Oxford United.”

Although Jim Smith is not technically a board member, Thomas believes that his involvement with the club is as good now as before.

“I am sure that Chris has appreciated the support and advice from Jim – I know that I have,” he continued.

“He has been there and done it and it is good to be able to lean on him and get a different perspective on some decisions.

“People should not underestimate Jim’s role in bringing Chris in too.”