Williams on U's shortlist

The club's board will begin their deliberations after Saturday's game against Cheltenham and hope to have spoken to all on the shortlist by the end of Monday.

Chairman Peter Heard has held interviews with some interested candidates already and will have talks with Williams over the next few days.

A club spokesman said: "We had hoped to have a permanent manager in by the beginning of March so I would expect an announcement to be made by the end of next week."

Williams has forced himself into contention after amassing seven points from his three games in charge of the team.