League One: latest news and gossip from the division

HIGH-FLIERS NAME NEW BOSS

Des Buckingham is Oxford United’s choice as their new manager.

The boss of Indian side Mumbai City had emerged as the leading candidate to replace Liam Manning at the Kassam Stadium.

Oxford, second in League One, had been linked with Notts County’s Luke Williams but Oxford-born Buckingham is the man to land the job talks over compensation with his previous club.

SACKED BOSS LINKED WITH PIRATES

A new name has emerged in connection with the top job at Bristol Rovers.

Matt Taylor, who was recently axed by Championship club Rotherham United, is now in the running according to reports.

BristolLive claim the Memorial Stadium club are set to have talks with the ex-Exeter City man. They have also been linked with former MK Dons and Oxford chief Karl Robinson. Andy Mangan, the caretaker, is unbeaten in five games.

CHAIRBOYS STAR OUT FOR SEASON

Wycombe Wanderers have been rocked by the news that striker Brandon Hanlan is out for the season.

The Chairboys forward has suffered an ACL injury.

The 26-year-old, who sustained the damage against Stevenage, posted on X: “It’s hard to take right now and a long road to recovery but I will be back stronger.”

IMPS PUT FAITH IN NEW HEAD COACH

Lincoln City believe they have found the right man after appointing ex-Leeds United U21 boss Michael Skubala as their new head coach.

His reign gets under way against Stevenage this weekend after arriving as Mark Kennedy’s successor.

Chairman Clive Nates told the Imps’ website: “We see him as a progressive appointment who shares the club’s ethos on player development, style of play and ambition. We are confident Michael will develop our talented squad and evolve our identity in the direction set by the club while delivering winning football. Together our ambition is to challenge at the top of League One.”

EVANS CLOSE TO TEARS

Stevenage boss Steve Evans says he has been left close to tears at leaving Harrison Neal out of his matchday squad.

The Sheffield United loanee has struggled for first-team opportunities recently but Evans says the former Barrow man is unlucky.

"I've spent lots of time talking to Harrison and the coaches have spent lots of time working with him and, after watching him in training every day for two or three weeks, I've almost cried when it comes to Friday and I’m picking the team and he’s not in the 18,” Evans told The Comet.

DEFENDER HEADS OUT ON LOAN

Cambridge United have sent young defender Mamadou Jobe on loan to Gateshead.

The 20-year-old will be at the National League club until January.

“The move will be Jobe's second Step 1 loan, following his spell at Maidstone United last season,” a club statement said. “Everyone at Cambridge United would like to wish Mamadou the very best whilst out on loan.”

FEENEY BOOST FOR SHREWS

Morgan Feeney, the former Carlisle United captain, is poised to return from injury for Shrewsbury Town.

Feeney has been out with a hamstring problem for the last month.

But, reports the Shropshire Star, he is back in full training and should be available for this weekend’s clash with Blackpool.

POMPEY STAR’S INJURY CONCERN

Paddy Lane is an injury concern for leaders Portsmouth after withdrawing from the Northern Ireland squad.

The winger’s calf injury has cost him the chance to face Finland and Denmark.

He is now back at the Fratton Park being assessed, according to The News.

BLACKPOOL SWOOP FOR OWLS BACKROOM MAN

Blackpool are set to snap up a key member of Sheffield Wednesday’s off-field set-up.

The Star say Dean Hughes, the Owls’ head of technical analysis and recruitment, is poised to move to Bloomfield Road.

Head of recruitment David Downes already moved in the same direction earlier this year.

TOTTENHAM PROSPECT LINKED WITH OS

Leyton Orient are reportedly among the clubs watching Tottenham Hotspur’s Jamie Donley.

TeamTalk report that the 18-year-old forward is also catching the eye of Charlton Athletic.

The teenager from Northern Ireland is attracting attention through his exploits for Spurs’ academy sides.

DERBY’S TRANSFER PRIORITIES

Derby County boss Paul Warne has stressed the Rams will be seeking attacking players in the January transfer window.

The Rams are seventh in the table and Warne wants to pep up his forward line.

“It's always been my ambition from the start of the season to have more pace and more attacking options,” Warne said in DerbyshireLive. “I haven't gone away from that and even when we are winning games I still think we need another option.”