ANDY Whing could be formally appointed as a coach with Oxford United's youth team within days.

The midfielder was not offered a new playing contract at the end of last season, but the club were keen to retain his services and a reshuffle in the backroom staff means there is a vacancy with the youth team.

With the 30-year-old only due to start his UEFA B Licence this summer there was question mark over what role Whing could fulfil.

But with under 18s coach Leon Blackmore-Such working towards his A Licence after completing the B qualification, it is thought there would be no issues with the pair working together.

An optimistic U's head coach Michael Appleton said: "I think something will be done with him over the next week or so.

"He’s been in with Leon now for a couple of weeks and had a feel for it. They seem to be getting on very well.

"I spoke to Leon the other day and he seems to be enjoying himself.

"If we can get something tied up with Whingy it will definitely be done very soon."