OXFORD United’s players admit they are struggling to keep up with the latest developments in the club’s prolonged process to hire a new manager.

It is now 59 days since Pep Clotet was sacked and the wait for a breakthrough goes on.

The Oxford Mail understands the interest in Karl Robinson is genuine, but the labyrinthine tale took yet another twist yesterday with Jaap Stam’s sacking at Reading.

With a clear link to Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth, who appointed him at the Madejski Stadium in 2016, the sudden availability of the former Manchester United defender could prompt a change of tack.

It is nine days since the U’s owner released a statement signalling his belief that a candidate with the ‘wow’ factor would be unveiled this week.

And while United’s players are concentrating on the build-up to Sunday’s trip to Portsmouth, it is impossible to ignore the ongoing situation.

Midfielder James Henry said: “I’ve lost track to be totally honest.

“There have been a few names thrown into the hat with different people becoming favourites.

“Whatever will be, will be. I’m hoping it will be this week or next week, just so everyone – not just the players but the fans as well – will have a little bit of clarity.”

Top-scorer Wes Thomas added: “I don’t think we have any clarity yet, have we?

“No-one knows what’s going on, but it’s business as usual for us. We’ve got to work hard in training and give our all in the games.

“I think it’s gone on so long now that I don’t pay attention to it any more.”

Stam was a 25/1 outsider, but within minutes of the announcement he became the second favourite.

Front-runner Robinson reportedly had two offers to resign in the past week turned down and all eyes will be on his pre-match press conference this morning.

The candidates linked to the job vary from world famous names from abroad to more tried-and-tested managers with a track record in English football’s third tier.

Thomas said: “If one of the (big) names did come you might think ‘what you could learn from them?’

“I think it would be better if we had someone who knew the level.

“But you never know, someone could come in without the experience and have some good ideas and hit the ground running.”

With no news from the top, Derek Fazackerley is preparing for the ninth game of his caretaker spell, at Fratton Park.

Speaking yesterday morning, he said: “I think most people were anticipating that something would have been resolved by this time.

“At this moment, I am expected to be in the dug-out at Portsmouth.

“It’s a strange situation to be in, in some respects. But as I’ve said several times before, until I’m told any different I’ll be there on Sunday.”