DESPITE the process to find a new head coach lasting almost eight weeks, Oxford United chairman Ian Lenagan was delighted to keep the identity of his choice under wraps.

Even people well connected with the board were in the dark until the very end, when the announcement was made on Saturday.

There had been speculation about Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale and Accrington’s James Beattie, especially in the last week.

Gary Waddock’s name had not featured prominently in the betting and the spotlight only turned on him after he was seen at the Kassam Stadium watching Friday night’s 1-0 win over Hartlepool United.

Lenagan was pleased the club had been able to keep people guessing.

He said: “I have been adamant that there’s no reason why football has to leak.

“We have kept it quiet until the day.

“There were rumours because Gary was here on Friday night, but equally there were rumours about (Steve) Fletcher and Tisdale and all sorts of people.

“I was determined we wouldn’t do that and we’ve done it well.”