DEREK Fazackerley has made it clear he wants to stay on at Oxford United after they appoint a new manager – but admits his future is up in the air.

The coach has been in caretaker charge since Pep Clotet was sacked five weeks ago.

New owner Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth has prioritised the process after completing his takeover – and he is hoping to reach a decision this week.

Until told otherwise, Fazackerley is preparing the U’s for their home game with Fleetwood Town on Saturday.

While there have been four defeats in his six games in charge, the 66-year-old is a highly-valued member of the coaching staff, having joined in 2014.

And despite hot favourite Craig Bellamy reportedly ruling himself out of the running, Fazackerley’s vast experience would come in useful for whoever gets the managerial role.

From the former England coach’s perspective there is no desire to end his rolling contract, although he is aware the changes at the club may take it out of his hands.

“That’s for the new regime to decide,” he said.

“I’ve loved my time working for Oxford United, particularly with Darryl as chairman, with Michael Appleton and then this little spell we’ve had now.

“Whatever will be will be.

“I have a contract and I’m sure that will be honoured by the club and if somebody wants to employ me again, then that’s perfectly fine by me.

“Anything could happen, we’ve just got to wait and see.

“I’m quite happy to carry on in the role I’ve got at the moment if that’s to be, but who knows.

“There is a new chairman coming in and things may change, but until they do I just carry on.

“Until somebody tells me any different, that will be the case.”

A clearer indication of the situation is likely to come this week, when there was a first chance to spend some time with Thanakarnjanasuth.

Fazackerley said: “He’s here now so it may be an opportunity to talk at some point and see what his thoughts are.

“But he’ll have so much on his plate at this moment that I’m not sure I’ll be top of his list.”

The Thai businessman, better known as Tiger, is expecting the new man to work largely with the existing set-up.

He said: “Of course, part of it.

“But I think he should have some of his staff that they are used to working together and get along with.”