Ex-West Brom and Leicester City man emerges as favourite to take over at League One club

Michael Appleton has been named as the new favourite to take over at Oxford United - six years after leaving. The League One club are on the hunt for a new manager after sacking Karl Robinson following their 3-0 defeat to Bristol Rovers last month.

The 42-year-old spent five years with Oxford United and helped them to reach the play-off final on two occasions, however failed to guide them to the Championship. He parted ways with the club after eight matches without a win.

Appleton is now the frontrunner to take over at the Kassam Stadium almost a month after he was dismissed by Blackpool. The former West Brom midfielder spent only seven months with The Seasiders and left them 23rd in the Championship.

He began his coaching career as the Baggies’ caretaker manager for one match following the departure of Roberto Di Matteo and went onto coach at Portsmouth, Blackpool, Blackburn Rovers, Leicester City and Lincoln City. Arguably his biggest success came during his three-year stint with Oxford where he helped them win promotion to League One, as well as reaching the final of the Football League Trophy twice.

As well as Appleton, the likes of Grant McCann, Neil Lannon and Liam Manning are also among the contenders to replace Robinson. It is unclear when they will bring in a new manager, however an appointment before this weekend’s tie with Derby County seems unlikely.