U's Chief Exec Steve Bradshaw has revealed that it could be around three weeks before the club appoints a replacement for Paul Lambert and has also said that the club intend to embargo any move by Norwich City to poach U's players.
At a press conference following Lambert's resignation, Bradshaw said: “We don't want to have a knee-jerk reaction and appoint the wrong person who might put the club back a few years. I would say that three weeks is the outside limit.”
Meanwhile, Bradshaw indicated the U's intent to fight Norwich for an acceptable compensation amount, explaining: “We believe there has been a breach of League regulation 20, and so unless compensation can be agreed, we will go to tribunal.
“We are six figures apart in terms of compensation at the moment.
“There is no antipathy towards Norwich City, and hopefully we can work with them to agree on a reasonable figure. If it's a long-term process, then it will go to Tribunal.
“Norwich's figure is reflected in the change in salary (of Lambert), but it does not take into account the significant disruption that follows a new manager coming in.
“Paul brought in eight or nine of his own players, and the new manager might not like them. Big costs are involved, not just the salary of a manager.
“Paul has brought in some very good players, so it's frustrating that having done all that, he should decide to leave.
“We will seek as part of the compensation clause that no player will be able to leave for Norwich in the next season.”