LIAM Manning says he will be heavily involved in Oxford United’s recruitment process after a withdrawn role over transfers while at MK Dons.

Sporting director Liam Sweeting was responsible for recruitment at MK Dons, with Manning taking a back seat when it came to transfers.

United are in the hunt for a head of recruitment after the departure of Mark Thomas was confirmed last month.

Thomas joined fellow Sky Bet League One side Derby County in a director of football role after almost 10 years with the U’s.

During Thomas’ time with United, the club made a significant profit on players such as Kemar Roofe, Marvin Johnson, Gavin Whyte, Rob Dickie, Rob Atkinson and Luke McNally.

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Manning though is more than ready to play his part for the U’s when it comes to transfers.

When asked about his role in recruitment during BBC Radio Oxford’s Five Minute Fans Forum, Manning responded: “I’ll be heavily involved, the decisions will fall on me as well.

“At the same point, the process to get there is a collaboration.

“I’ll be massively involved with the recruitment guys, it’ll be a collaboration and ultimately it will fall on myself and the powers that be to make the decision.”

His comments follow those when he was asked a similar question by this newspaper during his first press conference last week.

Manning said: “The biggest thing now is addressing the immediate of what we need to do, the short-term element that we need to flip the team round and start getting results.

“At the same point, working with Ed [Waldron] and the recruitment guys to make sure we’re proactive in what we do in the summer.

“It’s hugely important we build a side capable of competing.”

Manning told the Five Minute Fans Forum that promoting young players would be of utmost importance.

He said: “Your first port of call on any recruitment should be in-house.

“The owners spend a decent amount of money on the academy and there’s some really good work I’ve already seen in the academy, there’s some good people and good players.

“For me, having worked in an academy as well, it makes perfect sense if you’ve got someone in the building.

“Why would you not look there first before then looking externally at permanent signings and then finally loan players.

“I think it should be in that order.

“I’ve met a lot of the academy staff and we’ve had a few of the lads training with us, I’ve been impressed with the quality they’ve got there.

“When it’s right and when the players are ready, I’m about giving opportunities.”