 In order to strengthen for 1996 – 97 , Smith signed striker Nigel Jemson and spent £ 100 @,@ 000 on Leyton Orient defender Darren Purse . In order to finance these deals he sold Chris Allen to Nottingham Forest for £ 450 @,@ 000 . Oxford knocked Premier League side Sheffield Wednesday out of the League Cup en route to a fourth round exit . Oxford were fifth in the table in December 1996 , but chairman Robin Herd resigned amidst financial problems at the club , and work on the new stadium came to a halt as the club debt reached £ 13 million . Smith raised funds by selling Elliott to Leicester for £ 1 @.@ 7 million , and signed veteran defender Chris Whyte on a free transfer as a short @-@ term replacement . Oxford finished the season in 17th place , but the club 's financial situation became ever bleaker . Numerous players were sold , though Smith was allowed to spend £ 170 @,@ 000 on defender Phil Whelan . Smith left the Manor Ground mid @-@ way through 1997 – 98 with Oxford 16th in the league , and his assistant Crosby managed to maintain the club 's mid @-@ table position at the end of the season . 
