CRAIG Short has paid credit to the coaching staff at Oxford United for the role they have played in supporting him as interim boss.

The former Blackburn Rovers and Everton defender has stepped up following Liam Manning’s departure to Bristol City, overseeing wins against Chelsea Under-21s in the EFL Trophy and at Leyton Orient in the league.

Manning took with him his assistant Chris Hogg and first team coach analyst James Krause to Ashton Gate, leaving the U’s light on backroom staff.

However, the club allowed Short to bring in former Derby County colleague Pat Lyons on a short-term basis.

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Short said: “He’s someone I’ve known for years. He’s been a first team coach at Derby County and is one of the most admired coaches in youth football.

“He drove some of the kids coming through at Derby, to get from the Under-23s to the first team. He was brilliant at that.

“One or two of those have moved on to higher things, like Will Hughes, Jeff Hendrick and Max Lowe.

“I just knew I could turn to him, and he’s got some great ideas. I’m definitely not the attention to detail like Liam was, I miss little things and I needed that from Pats and Lewis [Price].”

Short also praised goalkeeping coach Price, who was brought to United by Manning, but appears to be staying at the club, with Pat Mountain doing the same with the Robins.

Short said: “Pricey’s been great because they’re his pals and they’ve gone. I know he was disappointed and a little bit disillusioned, but he’s been wonderful for me, helping with the set pieces. That’s a massive part of the game.”