MANAGERIAL partnerships do not have a terrific track record in football.

Gerard Houllier and Roy Evans did not last long at Liverpool, although they fared better than Attilio Lombardo and Tomas Brolin’s disastrous stint together at Crystal Palace.

But a duo at Oxford United are attempting to buck the trend and the early signs are encouraging.

Andy Whing and Leon Blackmore-Such are sharing duties in charge of the club’s under 18 side.

While Whing is well known by supporters following more than 100 appearances for the first team before injuries forced him into retirement this summer, his partner on the touchline has taken a different route.

Blackmore-Such learned the ropes by assisting Chris Allen and is enjoying the fact he and Whing bring different strengths.

He said: “Andy’s experience as a player from last year and knowing the game has been fantastic.

“We get on well and have the same ideas about how we want to play.

“Andy might say differently, but I think we go about it in the same way.

“Even in a short space of time I think it’s worked well.”

Whing hopes to complete his UEFA B Licence by Christmas, after which he can begin the A Licence, a qualification BlackmoreSuch has already started.

The popular former midfielder admits he has seen partnerships in the technical area which clearly do not work, but is pleased to report the pair have clicked.

He said: “I don’t know how it’s worked out, but we seem to have got it together.

We look over the game and see the same picture.

“Obviously we do disagree on things – there are 20 players and we may think differently over who should play, but you’re always going to get that.

“The course is great and some of them are jealous of me getting this job.

“That’s nice to hear, so I’m really fortunate to get this opportunity.

“It’s great experience for me coming straight out of the game and into coaching, so Leon has been brilliant for me.”

Bicester Advertiser:

  • Leon Blackmore-Such has the most coaching experience of the pair, but says Andy Whing’s playing background is a big boost​

While the side’s FA Youth Cup run ended with a 2-1 defeat at Exeter City on Tuesday night, the conveyor belt of talent coming through is showing no signs of slowing.

Blackmore-Such said: “There are some we genuinely think have a chance in terms of breaking through into the under 21s.

“We are always positive of that, but with the first team kicking on, while it’s brilliant for the club, it’s harder for the kids because the gap is wider, so they have to be even better.”