AFC Wimbledon 0 Oxford United 3 (Rigg 32, Potter 37, Craddock 64)

4:55pm Saturday 29th December 2012 in Sport Photograph of the Author By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

OXFORD United's strong finish to the calendar year continued as they were too good for AFC Wimbledon, but the result was soured by a red card for James Constable.

A quick double from Sean Rigg and Alfie Potter put the visitors in charge at half time.

After weathering a storm from the hosts, United made sure of the points when Tom Craddock pounced on an error to make it 3-0.

It looked a perfect away day for the visitors, but Constable's straight red card for an alleged elbow complicated the final 20 minutes.

The U's defended well to claim a hard-earned clean sheet, claiming a second win in four days to extend their unbeaten run to nine games.

Heavy rain put the game in doubt, but once the game started the surface coped well, for which Wimbledon deserve credit.

United made just one enforced change to the side which started the 3-1 win at Exeter City in Boxing Day.

With Liam Davis injured and Tony Capaldi suspended, Luke O'Brien came into the side at left back for the first time since October.

After an even opening, United were the first to threaten.

Potter had two sights of goal, dragging one effort wide and drawing a smart stop from veteran goalkeeper Neil Sullivan with the other.

In between the winger set up Rigg, whose sweetly-struck volley flew just wide.

Wimbledon were given a foothold in the game by the award of two questionable handball decisions on the edge of United's box.

Both were wasted, with Paul McCallum blasting over and U's goalkeeper Ryan Clarke catching Rashid Yussuff's tame effort.

Around the half hour mark the visitors began to control of the game.

Potter was at the heart of United's most dangerous moments and the winger was key to a clinical move which broke the deadlock on 32 minutes.

Collecting the ball from Craddock, he cut across the Wombles' area, delaying his pass expertly to slip in Rigg, who lifted the ball over Sullivan and into the net.

Within five minutes the pair's roles were reversed. Rigg crossed from the left and Potter, the shortest man on the pitch, rose to head past Sullivan.

The cushion gave United a swagger on the ball, but Wimbledon almost pulled a goal back on the stroke of half time.

Jack Midson worked some space 20 yards out and his left-footed drive skidded a whisker wide of Clarke's left-hand post.

The home side came roaring back into the game after the break in search of a lifeline.

United had to dig in to protect their lead and needed a brilliant clearance on the goal line by Peter Leven to keep Wimbledon out.

Yussuff had a clear sight of goal on 55 minutes, but the midfielder shot wide from 12 yards to let the U's off the hook.

The key moments came just after the hour mark and revolved around Will Antwi.

The Wombles centre back had a glorious chance to score from Ajala's cross, but he headed wide.

When United broke forward Antwi attempted to head the ball back to Sullivan, but he could only find a lurking Craddock.

The striker could not believe his luck and gratefully buried the ball into the net.

The points looked in the bag for the visitors, but midway through the half they were rocked by a dismissal.

Antwi went down after an aerial challenge with Constable and the referee adjudged the striker had led with his elbow, producing a straight red card.

It looked a harsh decision, particularly as Antwi recovered very quickly after the card was shown.

Wimbledon had just over 20 minutes to make their numerical advantage count.

United showed plenty of appetite to defend, though and kept clear chances to a minimum.

Up front, substitute Josh Parker did well to occupy the centre backs in a lone role.

A clean sheet, and the three points, were well deserved, but Constable's sending off took the edge off the joy.

Oxford Utd: Clarke, Batt, Raynes, Wright, O'Brien, Potter (Duberry 87), Cox, Leven, Rigg (Parker 77), Constable, Craddock (Heslop 68).

Unused subs: Brown, Worley, Forster-Caskey, Marsh.

Wimbledon: Sullivan, Osano, Antwi, Mambo, Cummings, Long, Yussuff (Jolley 73), Meades, Ajala (Kiernan 82) McCallum (Prior 72), Midson.

Unused subs: Jamiez-Ruiz, Balkestein, Mitchel-King, Hervel.

Referee: Lee Collins.

Attendance: 4,401 (749 visitors).

Comments (33)

5:01pm Sat 29 Dec 12

oldun says...

Mr moaner (one of us) says obviously a very good win. We are in a very low position - very disappointing season. COYY
Mr moaner (one of us) says obviously a very good win. We are in a very low position - very disappointing season. COYY oldun

5:03pm Sat 29 Dec 12

cleverswindler says...

Not good enough, only 3-0? the doom mongers won't be happy!
Not good enough, only 3-0? the doom mongers won't be happy! cleverswindler

5:26pm Sat 29 Dec 12

BigAlBiker says...

Manager of the month perhaps? Great few days apart from Beano and his octopus arms getting himself into trouble.

Bring on Sheffield Utd.
Manager of the month perhaps? Great few days apart from Beano and his octopus arms getting himself into trouble. Bring on Sheffield Utd. BigAlBiker

5:41pm Sat 29 Dec 12

mechcol says...

Another good team performance ,will be back to the field @ the Kassam next especially after the rugby today - ripped to shreds in this weather..
Another good team performance ,will be back to the field @ the Kassam next especially after the rugby today - ripped to shreds in this weather.. mechcol

6:02pm Sat 29 Dec 12

northampton yellow says...

yeah the pitch looks a mess after the rugby good crowd thou, ten thousand and fortyfive just hope we can match this tuesday should be good game and for once lookin 4ward to it " ARE we going to turn the season around after a p**spoor first half season didnt help beano gettin straight red . "OUFC"
yeah the pitch looks a mess after the rugby good crowd thou, ten thousand and fortyfive just hope we can match this tuesday should be good game and for once lookin 4ward to it " ARE we going to turn the season around after a p**spoor first half season didnt help beano gettin straight red . "OUFC" northampton yellow

7:11pm Sat 29 Dec 12

oldun says...

cleverswindler wrote:
Not good enough, only 3-0? the doom mongers won't be happy!
I remain a doom monger - just when did you last hear a happy doom monger? This is a very disappointing season - if we come 4th and don't go up , the season will have been a choker - won't it?
[quote][p][bold]cleverswindler[/bold] wrote: Not good enough, only 3-0? the doom mongers won't be happy![/p][/quote]I remain a doom monger - just when did you last hear a happy doom monger? This is a very disappointing season - if we come 4th and don't go up , the season will have been a choker - won't it? oldun

7:42pm Sat 29 Dec 12

Chickengeorge44 says...

Can't moan at the last two results. 6 points away from home is always welcome. Well done lads! Big test on Tuesday. Lets carry on and build on this cracking run.
Can't moan at the last two results. 6 points away from home is always welcome. Well done lads! Big test on Tuesday. Lets carry on and build on this cracking run. Chickengeorge44

8:12pm Sat 29 Dec 12

Eraser says...

Beano will get an immediate 3 match ban - will miss Cheltenham and both cup games - couldn't have happened at a worse time - already low on strikers and he had started to look a little more like the Beano of old.
Beano will get an immediate 3 match ban - will miss Cheltenham and both cup games - couldn't have happened at a worse time - already low on strikers and he had started to look a little more like the Beano of old. Eraser

8:31pm Sat 29 Dec 12

The Manager says...

When we start beating sides that are in the top seven of the table only t.hen will we know if we are good enough but I do feel we do need to see at least three players of reasonable quality to gain a play off position. It can be done but if it does not happen will Mr. Wilder still be the manager next season. I have my doubts as we all understand the manager cannot be blamed for injuries but most of you have to agree that some of the loan signings in the past have been of poor quality. We await January with great anticipation. However the last two games have produced excellent results and long may it continue
When we start beating sides that are in the top seven of the table only t.hen will we know if we are good enough but I do feel we do need to see at least three players of reasonable quality to gain a play off position. It can be done but if it does not happen will Mr. Wilder still be the manager next season. I have my doubts as we all understand the manager cannot be blamed for injuries but most of you have to agree that some of the loan signings in the past have been of poor quality. We await January with great anticipation. However the last two games have produced excellent results and long may it continue The Manager

8:32pm Sat 29 Dec 12

bigchet says...

just when we look like we are on the right road we get another kick in the teeth. jc will get a four match ban as he has been sent off already this season, his ban on top of our injuries may well be the defining point of our season as his partnership with craddock was a key part of our improving form and four games are a lot to miss.
just when we look like we are on the right road we get another kick in the teeth. jc will get a four match ban as he has been sent off already this season, his ban on top of our injuries may well be the defining point of our season as his partnership with craddock was a key part of our improving form and four games are a lot to miss. bigchet

8:40pm Sat 29 Dec 12

roy burton's tights says...

The manager is right. Why would we keep CW when he got us out of the conference, beat swinedon 3 times in a year ( including at their cesspit which is almost unheard of). Worst of all we are now 9 games unbeaten, what is he playing at. This is terrible management on the finances he has available. Why post on here if you are not 100% behind the team. COYY
The manager is right. Why would we keep CW when he got us out of the conference, beat swinedon 3 times in a year ( including at their cesspit which is almost unheard of). Worst of all we are now 9 games unbeaten, what is he playing at. This is terrible management on the finances he has available. Why post on here if you are not 100% behind the team. COYY roy burton's tights

10:01pm Sat 29 Dec 12

tws says...

I support CW after promo from the Blue Sq Prem & three wins over the A420 thingys! A push towards the playoffs is possible & with momentum who knows what could happen?
To change tack somewhat, after refereeing for 20 years, the decision to send off Beano was so wrong, seen it on Sky & replayed it many times, same conclusion, I doubt its a foul, let alone a red!!!
To be fair to the referee, he was conned by a soon recovered "cheat", who apparently found the whole thing, "funny"!!!
I wonder if the lino could help the appeal, or will the officials avoid truth & justice & stick with the original decision! Lets be clear, in the lower levels of football, red cards are rarely resinded as the FA will back the original decision & the ref will get penalised if he made a genuine mistake & on seeing a replay, changes his mind. He's damned either way, just proves how difficult it is with players going down so easy, to get the right call!!!
Wonder how Jack Midson will play this, I liked him as a United player but will his loyalty be to a cheating team mate, or will he back whats right & proper, I won't be surprised if he sticks with his cheating team mate though, such is the life of the "pro footballer"!!
CW said an Oxford player wouldn't do this & I believe him!!!
Tim The Ref
I support CW after promo from the Blue Sq Prem & three wins over the A420 thingys! A push towards the playoffs is possible & with momentum who knows what could happen? To change tack somewhat, after refereeing for 20 years, the decision to send off Beano was so wrong, seen it on Sky & replayed it many times, same conclusion, I doubt its a foul, let alone a red!!! To be fair to the referee, he was conned by a soon recovered "cheat", who apparently found the whole thing, "funny"!!! I wonder if the lino could help the appeal, or will the officials avoid truth & justice & stick with the original decision! Lets be clear, in the lower levels of football, red cards are rarely resinded as the FA will back the original decision & the ref will get penalised if he made a genuine mistake & on seeing a replay, changes his mind. He's damned either way, just proves how difficult it is with players going down so easy, to get the right call!!! Wonder how Jack Midson will play this, I liked him as a United player but will his loyalty be to a cheating team mate, or will he back whats right & proper, I won't be surprised if he sticks with his cheating team mate though, such is the life of the "pro footballer"!! CW said an Oxford player wouldn't do this & I believe him!!! Tim The Ref tws

10:03pm Sat 29 Dec 12

martico1 says...

Well said, Roy B! Another good team performance again today, albeit against a very poor side (bar the start of second half when they were sharp, and we were hanging on).

Any sane judge will see that Beano's 'elbow' (a few feet from where I was standing) was a flapping hand, although sometimes he dosn't help himself - but let's see if there are any when it comes to the appeal. Whatever happens, if 'Fanny' showed half Beano's commitment - as opposed to a lot of running but never quite getting there - he could be a real player for us
Well said, Roy B! Another good team performance again today, albeit against a very poor side (bar the start of second half when they were sharp, and we were hanging on). Any sane judge will see that Beano's 'elbow' (a few feet from where I was standing) was a flapping hand, although sometimes he dosn't help himself - but let's see if there are any when it comes to the appeal. Whatever happens, if 'Fanny' showed half Beano's commitment - as opposed to a lot of running but never quite getting there - he could be a real player for us martico1

10:03pm Sat 29 Dec 12

cleverswindler says...

roy burton's tights, you are right everyone should be getting behind the team, but there are always those who moan and criticize. We are a nation of moaners it seems, and most of them seem to turn up on football message boards and forums!

I remember years ago, watching the U's play, just after we had signed John Aldridge for around 70k from Newport, he was obviously not match fit, but there was a cretin stood near us who was shouting what a waste of money etc, and I remember one of my mates telling him (politely!) to shut up, and watch a player who will be the best striker we shall see at the Manor.....and he was by a street. Easiest thing in the world to criticize, morons like Paul Merson etc even get paid for doing it!
roy burton's tights, you are right everyone should be getting behind the team, but there are always those who moan and criticize. We are a nation of moaners it seems, and most of them seem to turn up on football message boards and forums! I remember years ago, watching the U's play, just after we had signed John Aldridge for around 70k from Newport, he was obviously not match fit, but there was a cretin stood near us who was shouting what a waste of money etc, and I remember one of my mates telling him (politely!) to shut up, and watch a player who will be the best striker we shall see at the Manor.....and he was by a street. Easiest thing in the world to criticize, morons like Paul Merson etc even get paid for doing it! cleverswindler

10:02am Sun 30 Dec 12

35 year fan says...

great pair of results there, well done lads. unfortunately the ref (and the fa) will defend the cheat rather than admit to a mistake but its right on principle to appeal.

ignore oldun by the way hes obviously a s***don fan.
great pair of results there, well done lads. unfortunately the ref (and the fa) will defend the cheat rather than admit to a mistake but its right on principle to appeal. ignore oldun by the way hes obviously a s***don fan. 35 year fan

10:58am Sun 30 Dec 12

oldun says...

35 year fan wrote:
great pair of results there, well done lads. unfortunately the ref (and the fa) will defend the cheat rather than admit to a mistake but its right on principle to appeal.

ignore oldun by the way hes obviously a s***don fan.
"Swindon fan" calling!! CW has not done especially well at United - I give him 6 out of 10. Four out of 10 since February. COYY
[quote][p][bold]35 year fan[/bold] wrote: great pair of results there, well done lads. unfortunately the ref (and the fa) will defend the cheat rather than admit to a mistake but its right on principle to appeal. ignore oldun by the way hes obviously a s***don fan.[/p][/quote]"Swindon fan" calling!! CW has not done especially well at United - I give him 6 out of 10. Four out of 10 since February. COYY oldun

4:29pm Sun 30 Dec 12

The Manager says...

Well so I am a moaner .One thing for sure I don't wear rose tinted specs if some of you guys think that beating Swidon is more important than doing well in the league so be it. Yes we have extended our unbeaten run now with two wins on the bounce but how many draws before that. Wilder is in his fourth season hear and he has not exactly set the place alight. Ask how do other clubs with a smaller budget do well, this question has been raised many times this season. Now I'm sure I have a pair of those specs some where they obviously make a difference.
Well so I am a moaner .One thing for sure I don't wear rose tinted specs if some of you guys think that beating Swidon is more important than doing well in the league so be it. Yes we have extended our unbeaten run now with two wins on the bounce but how many draws before that. Wilder is in his fourth season hear and he has not exactly set the place alight. Ask how do other clubs with a smaller budget do well, this question has been raised many times this season. Now I'm sure I have a pair of those specs some where they obviously make a difference. The Manager

4:42pm Sun 30 Dec 12

The Manager says...

O.ne other thing I forgot to add to my previous note if Wilder doesn't at least make the play offs it is time to move on. I support the club but look at the attendance for the cup game against Accrington that surely tells us all something
O.ne other thing I forgot to add to my previous note if Wilder doesn't at least make the play offs it is time to move on. I support the club but look at the attendance for the cup game against Accrington that surely tells us all something The Manager

6:03pm Sun 30 Dec 12

carfax cabby ox1 says...

Manager, quite right about beating Swindon, Spurs finally beat Arsenal after 20 odd times of trying, and were also over the moon, till somebody pointed out that it is over 50 years since they won the league. I say we LOSE to Swindon every time we play them, but beat the teams above us in the league and get promotion, that is ALL that matters. And if we do not get within one place of the play offs at worst this season, then it is time for a complete re-think from the manager down.
Manager, quite right about beating Swindon, Spurs finally beat Arsenal after 20 odd times of trying, and were also over the moon, till somebody pointed out that it is over 50 years since they won the league. I say we LOSE to Swindon every time we play them, but beat the teams above us in the league and get promotion, that is ALL that matters. And if we do not get within one place of the play offs at worst this season, then it is time for a complete re-think from the manager down. carfax cabby ox1

6:03pm Sun 30 Dec 12

cleverswindler says...

A few points, firstly if we had lost 3-0, then I'm sure there would have been far more posts on this report.
Secondly the gates in the FA Cup have been way down for several years now, unless you draw one of the so called big clubs ay home.
Finally, be careful what you wish for, Liverpool fans couldn't wait to get Dalglish back there, and look what a dogs breakfast he made of that, also McCarthy leaving Wolves etc, where has getting rid of managers got Oxford recently?
A few points, firstly if we had lost 3-0, then I'm sure there would have been far more posts on this report. Secondly the gates in the FA Cup have been way down for several years now, unless you draw one of the so called big clubs ay home. Finally, be careful what you wish for, Liverpool fans couldn't wait to get Dalglish back there, and look what a dogs breakfast he made of that, also McCarthy leaving Wolves etc, where has getting rid of managers got Oxford recently? cleverswindler

7:51pm Sun 30 Dec 12

The Manager says...

At the moment as it stands Mr. Wilder has been here four seasons so is it unreasonable to suggest that if we missed the top seven again this season that out of three seasons in the football league there would have been no progress made that a change at the helm may be needed. If on the other hand we finish in the play offs then definitely you would not entertain a change. Finish in the same position as last season or lower there could be the chance that the demand for season tickets would drop. As it stands at the moment that would not be very healthy.I can only say that I'm glad I don't have to make that decision.
At the moment as it stands Mr. Wilder has been here four seasons so is it unreasonable to suggest that if we missed the top seven again this season that out of three seasons in the football league there would have been no progress made that a change at the helm may be needed. If on the other hand we finish in the play offs then definitely you would not entertain a change. Finish in the same position as last season or lower there could be the chance that the demand for season tickets would drop. As it stands at the moment that would not be very healthy.I can only say that I'm glad I don't have to make that decision. The Manager

9:29pm Sun 30 Dec 12

EMBOX2 says...

After the injury nightmare of the early season it is good to see some strong results, but we still draw where we should win comfortably.

Disappointed to see Beano's red card but hopefully Whing, Potter and Batt can cover whilst he serves his ban. Next few games will be very interesting, though I think anything other than the league is a waste of time.
After the injury nightmare of the early season it is good to see some strong results, but we still draw where we should win comfortably. Disappointed to see Beano's red card but hopefully Whing, Potter and Batt can cover whilst he serves his ban. Next few games will be very interesting, though I think anything other than the league is a waste of time. EMBOX2

10:05pm Sun 30 Dec 12

oldun says...

Last time we beat a good team in the League? When was it?
Last time we beat a good team in the League? When was it? oldun

10:05pm Sun 30 Dec 12

oldun says...

Last time we beat a good team in the League? When was it?
Last time we beat a good team in the League? When was it? oldun

12:23am Mon 31 Dec 12

davecuddoufc says...

Ten or eleven games undefeated. Brilliant, to be honest; especially with the season we've been having.But.......(so
meone explain this to me, please; how can we be great one game, then awful the next? (last two excepted). Can we expect to acquire a couple of decent players in the transfer window? Don't hold your breath. No more Cr*p loanees, please!
Ten or eleven games undefeated. Brilliant, to be honest; especially with the season we've been having.But.......(so meone explain this to me, please; how can we be great one game, then awful the next? (last two excepted). Can we expect to acquire a couple of decent players in the transfer window? Don't hold your breath. No more Cr*p loanees, please! davecuddoufc

1:49am Mon 31 Dec 12

BigCrompy says...

oldun wrote:
Last time we beat a good team in the League? When was it?
Five days ago...surely?
[quote][p][bold]oldun[/bold] wrote: Last time we beat a good team in the League? When was it?[/p][/quote]Five days ago...surely? BigCrompy

8:19am Mon 31 Dec 12

oldun says...

BigCrompy wrote:
oldun wrote:
Last time we beat a good team in the League? When was it?
Five days ago...surely?
Silly me. Thank you . COYY
[quote][p][bold]BigCrompy[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]oldun[/bold] wrote: Last time we beat a good team in the League? When was it?[/p][/quote]Five days ago...surely?[/p][/quote]Silly me. Thank you . COYY oldun

4:02pm Mon 31 Dec 12

fredford says...

The Manager wrote:
O.ne other thing I forgot to add to my previous note if Wilder doesn't at least make the play offs it is time to move on. I support the club but look at the attendance for the cup game against Accrington that surely tells us all something
Compare our attendance with others the same day.........so i dont really think it has any relevance.
[quote][p][bold]The Manager[/bold] wrote: O.ne other thing I forgot to add to my previous note if Wilder doesn't at least make the play offs it is time to move on. I support the club but look at the attendance for the cup game against Accrington that surely tells us all something[/p][/quote]Compare our attendance with others the same day.........so i dont really think it has any relevance. fredford

4:12pm Mon 31 Dec 12

fredford says...

The Manager wrote:
Well so I am a moaner .One thing for sure I don't wear rose tinted specs if some of you guys think that beating Swidon is more important than doing well in the league so be it. Yes we have extended our unbeaten run now with two wins on the bounce but how many draws before that. Wilder is in his fourth season hear and he has not exactly set the place alight. Ask how do other clubs with a smaller budget do well, this question has been raised many times this season. Now I'm sure I have a pair of those specs some where they obviously make a difference.
I think instead of rose tinted spectacles,you are wearing a big set of blinkers.you have to beat the team that is in front of you and we did beat the scum,unfortunately we have not fared as well against other teams,beating the scum is very very important but it's quite obvious that everyone would trade those scum wins to be top of the league at the moment but football doesnt actually work that way does it?
Also how do you know that we have bigger budgets than other so called smaller teams?? i think you'd find that although we have much bigger crowds than some, a certain(spit) Firoz Kassam takes a big chunk of gate reciepts along with the catering profits etc etc ............take ya blinkers off and see the wider picture.
[quote][p][bold]The Manager[/bold] wrote: Well so I am a moaner .One thing for sure I don't wear rose tinted specs if some of you guys think that beating Swidon is more important than doing well in the league so be it. Yes we have extended our unbeaten run now with two wins on the bounce but how many draws before that. Wilder is in his fourth season hear and he has not exactly set the place alight. Ask how do other clubs with a smaller budget do well, this question has been raised many times this season. Now I'm sure I have a pair of those specs some where they obviously make a difference.[/p][/quote]I think instead of rose tinted spectacles,you are wearing a big set of blinkers.you have to beat the team that is in front of you and we did beat the scum,unfortunately we have not fared as well against other teams,beating the scum is very very important but it's quite obvious that everyone would trade those scum wins to be top of the league at the moment but football doesnt actually work that way does it? Also how do you know that we have bigger budgets than other so called smaller teams?? i think you'd find that although we have much bigger crowds than some, a certain(spit) Firoz Kassam takes a big chunk of gate reciepts along with the catering profits etc etc ............take ya blinkers off and see the wider picture. fredford

5:23pm Mon 31 Dec 12

oldun says...

fredford wrote:
The Manager wrote:
Well so I am a moaner .One thing for sure I don't wear rose tinted specs if some of you guys think that beating Swidon is more important than doing well in the league so be it. Yes we have extended our unbeaten run now with two wins on the bounce but how many draws before that. Wilder is in his fourth season hear and he has not exactly set the place alight. Ask how do other clubs with a smaller budget do well, this question has been raised many times this season. Now I'm sure I have a pair of those specs some where they obviously make a difference.
I think instead of rose tinted spectacles,you are wearing a big set of blinkers.you have to beat the team that is in front of you and we did beat the scum,unfortunately we have not fared as well against other teams,beating the scum is very very important but it's quite obvious that everyone would trade those scum wins to be top of the league at the moment but football doesnt actually work that way does it?
Also how do you know that we have bigger budgets than other so called smaller teams?? i think you'd find that although we have much bigger crowds than some, a certain(spit) Firoz Kassam takes a big chunk of gate reciepts along with the catering profits etc etc ............take ya blinkers off and see the wider picture.
My guess is that neither of you knows the full financial picture - and of course nor do I (I am a very very very minor shareholder). I judge United's size by League crowds - there are clubs well above us in the league who have an average of 2500 fewer through the gate than we do . That's well over 50,000 a year - gate income (allowing for season tickets, concessions etc) - at least £500,000 more than those clubs. Time to play hardball with FK - he needs us just as much as we need him - surely the much praised KAlvin was well capable og playing hard ball. Time to investigate groundsharing with you know who.....? Not easy - but
FK needs us - LW Rugby will be running at a big loss - average premiership crowds are over 10,000 - little 'Oxford Welsh' average half that - and the likes of Worcester, Quins, Northampton, Leicester, Exeter are not groundsharing
[quote][p][bold]fredford[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]The Manager[/bold] wrote: Well so I am a moaner .One thing for sure I don't wear rose tinted specs if some of you guys think that beating Swidon is more important than doing well in the league so be it. Yes we have extended our unbeaten run now with two wins on the bounce but how many draws before that. Wilder is in his fourth season hear and he has not exactly set the place alight. Ask how do other clubs with a smaller budget do well, this question has been raised many times this season. Now I'm sure I have a pair of those specs some where they obviously make a difference.[/p][/quote]I think instead of rose tinted spectacles,you are wearing a big set of blinkers.you have to beat the team that is in front of you and we did beat the scum,unfortunately we have not fared as well against other teams,beating the scum is very very important but it's quite obvious that everyone would trade those scum wins to be top of the league at the moment but football doesnt actually work that way does it? Also how do you know that we have bigger budgets than other so called smaller teams?? i think you'd find that although we have much bigger crowds than some, a certain(spit) Firoz Kassam takes a big chunk of gate reciepts along with the catering profits etc etc ............take ya blinkers off and see the wider picture.[/p][/quote]My guess is that neither of you knows the full financial picture - and of course nor do I (I am a very very very minor shareholder). I judge United's size by League crowds - there are clubs well above us in the league who have an average of 2500 fewer through the gate than we do . That's well over 50,000 a year - gate income (allowing for season tickets, concessions etc) - at least £500,000 more than those clubs. Time to play hardball with FK - he needs us just as much as we need him - surely the much praised KAlvin was well capable og playing hard ball. Time to investigate groundsharing with you know who.....? Not easy - but FK needs us - LW Rugby will be running at a big loss - average premiership crowds are over 10,000 - little 'Oxford Welsh' average half that - and the likes of Worcester, Quins, Northampton, Leicester, Exeter are not groundsharing oldun

7:50pm Mon 31 Dec 12

The Manager says...

Not blinkered just can see that if we don't make the play offs this season could be bad for us surely anyone can see this 4,000 season tickets sold for this season but failure could make far less attractive venue next season.
Not blinkered just can see that if we don't make the play offs this season could be bad for us surely anyone can see this 4,000 season tickets sold for this season but failure could make far less attractive venue next season. The Manager

9:50am Tue 1 Jan 13

Chish and Fips says...

fredford wrote:
The Manager wrote:
Well so I am a moaner .One thing for sure I don't wear rose tinted specs if some of you guys think that beating Swidon is more important than doing well in the league so be it. Yes we have extended our unbeaten run now with two wins on the bounce but how many draws before that. Wilder is in his fourth season hear and he has not exactly set the place alight. Ask how do other clubs with a smaller budget do well, this question has been raised many times this season. Now I'm sure I have a pair of those specs some where they obviously make a difference.
I think instead of rose tinted spectacles,you are wearing a big set of blinkers.you have to beat the team that is in front of you and we did beat the scum,unfortunately we have not fared as well against other teams,beating the scum is very very important but it's quite obvious that everyone would trade those scum wins to be top of the league at the moment but football doesnt actually work that way does it?
Also how do you know that we have bigger budgets than other so called smaller teams?? i think you'd find that although we have much bigger crowds than some, a certain(spit) Firoz Kassam takes a big chunk of gate reciepts along with the catering profits etc etc ............take ya blinkers off and see the wider picture.
Fred Ford !!- with all your ramblings about beating the scum - you use the name of an ex Swindon Town manager - he done quite well too, took us into Europe with the Anglo Italian Cup...
[quote][p][bold]fredford[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]The Manager[/bold] wrote: Well so I am a moaner .One thing for sure I don't wear rose tinted specs if some of you guys think that beating Swidon is more important than doing well in the league so be it. Yes we have extended our unbeaten run now with two wins on the bounce but how many draws before that. Wilder is in his fourth season hear and he has not exactly set the place alight. Ask how do other clubs with a smaller budget do well, this question has been raised many times this season. Now I'm sure I have a pair of those specs some where they obviously make a difference.[/p][/quote]I think instead of rose tinted spectacles,you are wearing a big set of blinkers.you have to beat the team that is in front of you and we did beat the scum,unfortunately we have not fared as well against other teams,beating the scum is very very important but it's quite obvious that everyone would trade those scum wins to be top of the league at the moment but football doesnt actually work that way does it? Also how do you know that we have bigger budgets than other so called smaller teams?? i think you'd find that although we have much bigger crowds than some, a certain(spit) Firoz Kassam takes a big chunk of gate reciepts along with the catering profits etc etc ............take ya blinkers off and see the wider picture.[/p][/quote]Fred Ford !!- with all your ramblings about beating the scum - you use the name of an ex Swindon Town manager - he done quite well too, took us into Europe with the Anglo Italian Cup... Chish and Fips

1:28pm Tue 1 Jan 13

adlibber says...

As a confirmed moaner myself I'm pleased we're on a decent run but we still need more wins not draws. Maybe our luck has changed and we string 6 wins on the bounce to compensate for those disastrous 6 defeats. Cheltenham will be a big test but I expect us to beat them. I'm sticking with my original view of CW either we win promotion or he has to go.
As a confirmed moaner myself I'm pleased we're on a decent run but we still need more wins not draws. Maybe our luck has changed and we string 6 wins on the bounce to compensate for those disastrous 6 defeats. Cheltenham will be a big test but I expect us to beat them. I'm sticking with my original view of CW either we win promotion or he has to go. adlibber

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