OXFORD United were today set to name a caretaker manager after former York City boss Denis Smith resigned.

However, Smith, 52, is set to stay with the struggling Second Division side as an advisor.

Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to Bristol City saw the Us' fans turn on Smith and while the one-time City chief initially vowed not to quit he yesterday bowed to pressure.

Smith, who guided York to the Division Four championship in 1983-84, said: "Although it is in the best interests of the club for me to step aside I hope to be able to make a contribution to the club away from the direct responsibilities for the playing side."

Southend United have unveiled David Webb as their new manager following last week's dismissal of another former York City manager, Alan Little.

City travel to play Southend in 11 days time.

Webb, 54, resigned from his post as manager of Conference League high-flyers Yeovil Town at the weekend, ready to take over at Roots Hall for a third time.

The former Chelsea, Bournemouth, Brentford and Torquay chief led the Shrimpers from the Fourth to the First Division at the start of the 1990s.

Cardiff City have confirmed that they have parted company with former Scarborough boss Billy Ayre.

Ayre, 47, who became caretaker manager after the sacking of Frank Burrows last season and then assistant manager when Bobby Gould arrived, had recently been given the title of head coach following the arrival of Alan Cork as Gould's new assistant.