Atkins Leaves Oxford

Atkins' contract is up at the end of the season, and he has decided to take the vacant post at the Memorial Ground instead of looking for an extension. He's agreed a two year deal with the Pirates.

Following the announcement, Oxford suspended him, and player/coach David Oldfield will take charge of the team at Mansfield tomorrow.

Phil Bater has been caretaker boss of Rovers since Ray Graydon was sacked in January, just 9 months since getting the job. They sit precariously 4th from bottom in the table, while Atkins leaves Oxford just a point off an automatic promotion place.