This morning Oxford United have announced that their new manager is Chris Wilder. He replaces Darren Patterson, who was sacked three weeks ago after United lost 2-0 at Torquay United in an FA Cup second round replay.

Wilder was formerly manager at Halifax, before they went belly-up, and took the Shaymen to a play-off final in 2006, which they lost to Paul Simpson's Carlisle United. Since leaving Halifax he has been assistant manager to Alan Knill at Bury, who are currently second in the Fourth Division.

As a player, Wilder was a full-back, making his name at Sheffield United before making the short trip to Rotherham United. He also played for Notts County, Bradford City, Sheffield United (again), Brighton & Hove Albion, before ending his playing career with Halifax. During his second spell at the Blades he also had loans to Northampton Town and Lincoln City. Before becoming Halifax boss he had a short time as manager of Alfreton Town.

There will inevitably be some disappointment among United fans that the club has not chosen a 'big name' manager. There were strong rumours suggesting that John Ward and Ian Holloway were in the frame for the post, while lesser names such as Mark Cooper, Jeff Kenna, Matt Elliott, Phil Gilchrist, and Jim Harvey were all mentioned in despatches. There may also be some discontent that other applicants, such as the Asda manager from Sussex or Elvis impersonator Malcolm Baker, weren't appointed. However, Rage Online urges all Oxford supporters to support the club and give the new manager a decent amount of time to settle in and turn things around. At least a couple of weeks. Jim Smith has had four games in charge as caretaker, and managed two wins and two draws to end his final managerial stint on a high and give Wilder something to work with. Let's hope that the January transfer window provides the new man with an opportunity to further improve the squad. It will certainly demonstrate how good he is at wheeling and dealing.[@manager]patterson, darren[/@manager][@manager]smith (caretaker), jim[/@manager]