My worst day as Oxford United boss - Wilder

9:30am Monday 17th September 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

Chris Wilder cuts a forlorn figure at Burton on Saturday Chris Wilder cuts a forlorn figure at Burton on Saturday

CHRIS Wilder admitted some of Oxford United ’s players had lost his trust on Saturday after suffering the darkest day in his time in charge.

The U’s were thrashed 4-0 at Burton Albion, their third successive defeat in npower League Two.

Defensive weaknesses were again apparent and the fragile side have conceded 11 goals in the three games.

But unlike the losses to York and Exeter, where the U’s had enough chances to avoid defeat, there was little to cheer.

Wilder fumed at the performance.

The United boss said: “I think this is the most disappointing day I’ve had at the football club by quite a stretch.”

When asked whether there was players in the side he could no longer trust, Wilder was frank.

He said: “I think so, yes, and I think it shows out there.

“When things are going well people get on with it, but when things aren’t going as well, it’s a test of character.

“I found out more (on Saturday) than I possibly would have done all season about one or two of the players.”

There is little time to iron out the issues, with United visiting Cheltenham Town tomorrow night.

The ongoing injury situation means Wilder is unable to make wholesale changes, but the United manager is demanding vast improvements.

He said: “Physically they’ve got to be stronger and mentally, when things go against them, they need to be stronger. “I thought a few of them went under, which is really disappointing from my point of view.

“We are classed, I should imagine, as a team that likes to play football, but will put their foot in at the same time. “We didn’t do either, so you’re always going to get what we deserved, which was absolutely nothing.”

Comments (20)

9:49am Mon 17 Sep 12

AylesburyOx says...

WRONG WRONG WRONG!!!

This is down to you Mr Wilder - Don't point fingers at the players, the players aren't playing because you're no longer up to the job of managing them.
Remember you were the one who brought them to the club so you have to accept responsibility for the way they perform.
You're the one who coaches and trains them.
You're the one who selects the side.
You're the one who chooses the tactics and researches the opposition.
You're the one who is on the sideline reading the game.
You're the one who gets to motivate them at half time.
You're the one who has to analyse the performance and pick out the positives and negatives from it.

This is on you and only you.

I'm sick and tired of excuse on excuse on excuse - injuries, players, off the field issues, the fans. Point your fingers at whatever and whoever you want to but there are now 7000 fingers pointed squarely at you.

Please don't let the door hit you on the way out.
WRONG WRONG WRONG!!! This is down to you Mr Wilder - Don't point fingers at the players, the players aren't playing because you're no longer up to the job of managing them. Remember you were the one who brought them to the club so you have to accept responsibility for the way they perform. You're the one who coaches and trains them. You're the one who selects the side. You're the one who chooses the tactics and researches the opposition. You're the one who is on the sideline reading the game. You're the one who gets to motivate them at half time. You're the one who has to analyse the performance and pick out the positives and negatives from it. This is on you and only you. I'm sick and tired of excuse on excuse on excuse - injuries, players, off the field issues, the fans. Point your fingers at whatever and whoever you want to but there are now 7000 fingers pointed squarely at you. Please don't let the door hit you on the way out. AylesburyOx

10:10am Mon 17 Sep 12

Ians view says...

AylesburyOx is angry and ranting, when calm thought is required.
AylesburyOx is angry and ranting, when calm thought is required. Ians view

10:42am Mon 17 Sep 12

AylesburyOx says...

I'm done with calm thought. Changes have to come and must come quickly
I'm done with calm thought. Changes have to come and must come quickly AylesburyOx

11:47am Mon 17 Sep 12

Southstandupper says...

Lets be logical. If WIlder goes who will want the job? With the lack of quality in the team as evident on Saturday who can he change. We cant keep saying oh when the injred players come back it will be OK it is to late. We now know that the players are at best average if they can't raise their game or put in a half decent performance get rid of them for whatever and some players in who do have pride in not only the team but themselves and will give their all.

Mike Ford is doing a half decent job down the road, maybe he has ambition? He certainly gave his all when he played!
Lets be logical. If WIlder goes who will want the job? With the lack of quality in the team as evident on Saturday who can he change. We cant keep saying oh when the injred players come back it will be OK it is to late. We now know that the players are at best average if they can't raise their game or put in a half decent performance get rid of them for whatever and some players in who do have pride in not only the team but themselves and will give their all. Mike Ford is doing a half decent job down the road, maybe he has ambition? He certainly gave his all when he played! Southstandupper

11:52am Mon 17 Sep 12

northampton yellow says...

AylesburyOx wrote:
I'm done with calm thought. Changes have to come and must come quickly
i agree wilder has taken them as far as he can and to come out with " THEIR ARE CERTAIN PLAYERS HE CANT TRUST" then that speaks for itself lose tomorrow and lenagen has got to say " THANKS BUT GOODBYE.
[quote][p][bold]AylesburyOx[/bold] wrote: I'm done with calm thought. Changes have to come and must come quickly[/p][/quote]i agree wilder has taken them as far as he can and to come out with " THEIR ARE CERTAIN PLAYERS HE CANT TRUST" then that speaks for itself lose tomorrow and lenagen has got to say " THANKS BUT GOODBYE. northampton yellow

12:15pm Mon 17 Sep 12

adlibber says...

Totally in agreement with Aylesbury Ox here - wilder is a parody of Ron Manager these days. His excuses are as random and inaccurate as his post match cliché ridden ramblings. Never mind the weakness of players they're just following orders from a weak manager who has clearly overspent on bad ideas none of which have worked. Poor signings poor decisions player disinterest and an entire coaching team that seem to be bereft of an alternative to the ongoing disasters.

Wilder has to go he is making the worst possible mistake of annually repeating his own philosophy which seems based on bailing the boat out just enough to keep it afloat. Not good enough. More worryingly Lenagan's silence on Rosenthal's departure and his lack of noise on our dreadful losing run could mean something darker is around the corner.

The fans amazing resilience won't last forever- Lenagan must know this and he should act now to save the season.
Totally in agreement with Aylesbury Ox here - wilder is a parody of Ron Manager these days. His excuses are as random and inaccurate as his post match cliché ridden ramblings. Never mind the weakness of players they're just following orders from a weak manager who has clearly overspent on bad ideas none of which have worked. Poor signings poor decisions player disinterest and an entire coaching team that seem to be bereft of an alternative to the ongoing disasters. Wilder has to go he is making the worst possible mistake of annually repeating his own philosophy which seems based on bailing the boat out just enough to keep it afloat. Not good enough. More worryingly Lenagan's silence on Rosenthal's departure and his lack of noise on our dreadful losing run could mean something darker is around the corner. The fans amazing resilience won't last forever- Lenagan must know this and he should act now to save the season. adlibber

12:25pm Mon 17 Sep 12

Brenda Jackson says...

Imo it's not a matter of IF Wilder goes, it's when, and hopefully not before too long.
There definately are 'undercurrents' at the Club, and only people like the Lenegans will know what's going on. Unfortunately they appear to have adopted a bunker mentality and are keeping a low profile, WHY?? Now is not the time to be coy, Supporters need to know and deserve to know what's happening and Pronto. Football is not cheap and we're getting what exactly for our hard earnt cash? Zero imho.
Imo it's not a matter of IF Wilder goes, it's when, and hopefully not before too long. There definately are 'undercurrents' at the Club, and only people like the Lenegans will know what's going on. Unfortunately they appear to have adopted a bunker mentality and are keeping a low profile, WHY?? Now is not the time to be coy, Supporters need to know and deserve to know what's happening and Pronto. Football is not cheap and we're getting what exactly for our hard earnt cash? Zero imho. Brenda Jackson

1:45pm Mon 17 Sep 12

Joe1 says...

I can assure Mr.Wilder, this was one of the worst as a FAN!!!!!
I can assure Mr.Wilder, this was one of the worst as a FAN!!!!! Joe1

1:53pm Mon 17 Sep 12

Micky Hazard says...

I'm usually on the wind-up with you lot, but you genuinely seem to be so pre-occupied and obsessed with us (I think you know who!), that you appear to take your collective eye off the ball, forgetting that you need to perform for 9 months?
This embarrassing outlook that you have seems to consume you all, from the chairman, that tw@t Rosenthal, your fans, manager, coaches - everyone.
Why do you think we gloat so much, & act all smug? It's because you're SO easy to wind up. We don't need to adopt your attitude because we recognise the bigger picture. Ok yeh of course we want to beat you & ram it down your throats, and the recent defeats have been an irritation, BUT NO MORE THAN THAT.
Christ, when we do beat you god knows how some of you saddo's will cope.
Ok I am on the wind-up a little bit, but my points still stand.
COYR!!!!
I'm usually on the wind-up with you lot, but you genuinely seem to be so pre-occupied and obsessed with us (I think you know who!), that you appear to take your collective eye off the ball, forgetting that you need to perform for 9 months? This embarrassing outlook that you have seems to consume you all, from the chairman, that tw@t Rosenthal, your fans, manager, coaches - everyone. Why do you think we gloat so much, & act all smug? It's because you're SO easy to wind up. We don't need to adopt your attitude because we recognise the bigger picture. Ok yeh of course we want to beat you & ram it down your throats, and the recent defeats have been an irritation, BUT NO MORE THAN THAT. Christ, when we do beat you god knows how some of you saddo's will cope. Ok I am on the wind-up a little bit, but my points still stand. COYR!!!! Micky Hazard

2:01pm Mon 17 Sep 12

AylesburyOx says...

Micky Hazard wrote:
I'm usually on the wind-up with you lot, but you genuinely seem to be so pre-occupied and obsessed with us (I think you know who!), that you appear to take your collective eye off the ball, forgetting that you need to perform for 9 months? This embarrassing outlook that you have seems to consume you all, from the chairman, that tw@t Rosenthal, your fans, manager, coaches - everyone. Why do you think we gloat so much, & act all smug? It's because you're SO easy to wind up. We don't need to adopt your attitude because we recognise the bigger picture. Ok yeh of course we want to beat you & ram it down your throats, and the recent defeats have been an irritation, BUT NO MORE THAN THAT. Christ, when we do beat you god knows how some of you saddo's will cope. Ok I am on the wind-up a little bit, but my points still stand. COYR!!!!
I think you'll find nobody here is trying to wind you up.

If others are doing it on your forum than you are correct that they are missing the big picture but trust me when I say that right now 99.9% of true Oxford fans care less about Swindon and more about our own underperforming side.
[quote][p][bold]Micky Hazard[/bold] wrote: I'm usually on the wind-up with you lot, but you genuinely seem to be so pre-occupied and obsessed with us (I think you know who!), that you appear to take your collective eye off the ball, forgetting that you need to perform for 9 months? This embarrassing outlook that you have seems to consume you all, from the chairman, that tw@t Rosenthal, your fans, manager, coaches - everyone. Why do you think we gloat so much, & act all smug? It's because you're SO easy to wind up. We don't need to adopt your attitude because we recognise the bigger picture. Ok yeh of course we want to beat you & ram it down your throats, and the recent defeats have been an irritation, BUT NO MORE THAN THAT. Christ, when we do beat you god knows how some of you saddo's will cope. Ok I am on the wind-up a little bit, but my points still stand. COYR!!!![/p][/quote]I think you'll find nobody here is trying to wind you up. If others are doing it on your forum than you are correct that they are missing the big picture but trust me when I say that right now 99.9% of true Oxford fans care less about Swindon and more about our own underperforming side. AylesburyOx

4:46pm Mon 17 Sep 12

sdyerUsa says...

Well Mr Wilder, Have you ever thought that maybe the Players have lost trust in you ??? after all they have a bad game and you are right on the phone trying to replace them with Lone players and then you put them right into the Team. What ever happened to " i'm the Manager, I pick the Team,, Its MY Fault so please leave my players alone" in one word LOYALTY.. How do you expect them to react after you blame them time after time?. As for Mr Langan, You know Kelvin bought back lots of fans to Oxford United, one reason they liked him was that he was open and willing to talk directly to us. He also listened to the Fans.. So please grow a set and talk to us. Tell us how we are doing and where we are going. We have (in my opinion) the best fans in the land. we have been through some hard time together and we are still here. So come on, treat us with some respect. Mr Wilder... Respect your Players and they will Respect you, Dis respect them and they will disrespect you. TAKE THE BLAME its YOUR FAULT!! I love Oxford United and will until i die and i love our supporters. Player's, Manager's, Coaches and yes even Owners come and go but us fans are here paying your wages and making you money. Tell us how it is, we can take it. Thankyou
Well Mr Wilder, Have you ever thought that maybe the Players have lost trust in you ??? after all they have a bad game and you are right on the phone trying to replace them with Lone players and then you put them right into the Team. What ever happened to " i'm the Manager, I pick the Team,, Its MY Fault so please leave my players alone" in one word LOYALTY.. How do you expect them to react after you blame them time after time?. As for Mr Langan, You know Kelvin bought back lots of fans to Oxford United, one reason they liked him was that he was open and willing to talk directly to us. He also listened to the Fans.. So please grow a set and talk to us. Tell us how we are doing and where we are going. We have (in my opinion) the best fans in the land. we have been through some hard time together and we are still here. So come on, treat us with some respect. Mr Wilder... Respect your Players and they will Respect you, Dis respect them and they will disrespect you. TAKE THE BLAME its YOUR FAULT!! I love Oxford United and will until i die and i love our supporters. Player's, Manager's, Coaches and yes even Owners come and go but us fans are here paying your wages and making you money. Tell us how it is, we can take it. Thankyou sdyerUsa

4:50pm Mon 17 Sep 12

BigOx22 says...

Is it not clear to see that Wilder has taken the better performers out the team or not starting them and putting the wrong players in? JPP and Tommy C should start. Heslop needs a kick up the rear and told to go away and get fit again. JFC needs game time to get into his stride. Play a simple 4-4-2. Remember what Ian Atkins said when we were top of this league in 2003 when he was asked " Why do you play 5 at the back?" "Simply because we aint good enough." Lets sort it out Wilder pick the right team or leave now and hope someone can come and salvage the season before its too late!
Is it not clear to see that Wilder has taken the better performers out the team or not starting them and putting the wrong players in? JPP and Tommy C should start. Heslop needs a kick up the rear and told to go away and get fit again. JFC needs game time to get into his stride. Play a simple 4-4-2. Remember what Ian Atkins said when we were top of this league in 2003 when he was asked " Why do you play 5 at the back?" "Simply because we aint good enough." Lets sort it out Wilder pick the right team or leave now and hope someone can come and salvage the season before its too late! BigOx22

5:16pm Mon 17 Sep 12

HopefulOx says...

To be honest , you have to think now is the right time for CW to move on , there are strong rumours linking him with a move away , CW is strong at first impressions he can drive a strong turn around with new players , Oxford players I think are now showing a lack of interest under his managment and the opposing team are seeing threw his out grown and dating tactics

Something is clearly going wrong top to bottom and i hope IL reacts quick enough to stop the rot before we face the downward spiral .

Seriouly , there are good managers that we ca draw in - just clairfy what went on with Jim R so that they have confidence in what we offer as club
To be honest , you have to think now is the right time for CW to move on , there are strong rumours linking him with a move away , CW is strong at first impressions he can drive a strong turn around with new players , Oxford players I think are now showing a lack of interest under his managment and the opposing team are seeing threw his out grown and dating tactics Something is clearly going wrong top to bottom and i hope IL reacts quick enough to stop the rot before we face the downward spiral . Seriouly , there are good managers that we ca draw in - just clairfy what went on with Jim R so that they have confidence in what we offer as club HopefulOx

5:24pm Mon 17 Sep 12

jimbomcmucka says...

After 6 games last season Swindon had 6 points and were 18th in the league, they went on to win it. I'm not saying that as we are now we can do that, but, its not too late to take a step back realise our shortfalls and play to our strengths.

84 points would have gotten automatic promo last season, that works out at 1.8 points per game. A win next game will make our average 1.7, with a whole season to build, and half a squad yet to return to fitness.

COYY
After 6 games last season Swindon had 6 points and were 18th in the league, they went on to win it. I'm not saying that as we are now we can do that, but, its not too late to take a step back realise our shortfalls and play to our strengths. 84 points would have gotten automatic promo last season, that works out at 1.8 points per game. A win next game will make our average 1.7, with a whole season to build, and half a squad yet to return to fitness. COYY jimbomcmucka

7:29pm Mon 17 Sep 12

mandate says...

Rubbish and a disgrace. The manager and players should be totally ashamed of themelves. The Oxford fans singing 'this is embarassng' was an understatement, it was Bl**dy well humiliating.

We looked a total shambles at times. Most teams in the Conference would have turned us over. The defence has been really poor in the last 3 games.The players that have failed to perform should be dropped, and chances should be given to other squad members. In with O'brien, Cox, Craddock and Pitman against Cheltenham.

If we are to get out of this league this season, we can't afford four defeats in seven games. As for Wilder... I think a defeat against Cheltenham should be his last game as boss at Oxford.
Rubbish and a disgrace. The manager and players should be totally ashamed of themelves. The Oxford fans singing 'this is embarassng' was an understatement, it was Bl**dy well humiliating. We looked a total shambles at times. Most teams in the Conference would have turned us over. The defence has been really poor in the last 3 games.The players that have failed to perform should be dropped, and chances should be given to other squad members. In with O'brien, Cox, Craddock and Pitman against Cheltenham. If we are to get out of this league this season, we can't afford four defeats in seven games. As for Wilder... I think a defeat against Cheltenham should be his last game as boss at Oxford. mandate

7:38pm Mon 17 Sep 12

melatwyke says...

2 bad games do not make a season. Long way to go and two or three wins on the trot will make all the difference.
2 bad games do not make a season. Long way to go and two or three wins on the trot will make all the difference. melatwyke

7:58pm Mon 17 Sep 12

Brenda Jackson says...

melatwyke wrote:
2 bad games do not make a season. Long way to go and two or three wins on the trot will make all the difference.
''2 bad games do not make a season'' Maybe, but they can ruin it!! Admire your optimism, or is it blind faith? Nothing i have witnessed in our matches has given me any reason to be anything other than pessimistic, and if we lose tomorrow and still there's no response from the Chairman - The alarm bells will be sounded.
[quote][p][bold]melatwyke[/bold] wrote: 2 bad games do not make a season. Long way to go and two or three wins on the trot will make all the difference.[/p][/quote]''2 bad games do not make a season'' Maybe, but they can ruin it!! Admire your optimism, or is it blind faith? Nothing i have witnessed in our matches has given me any reason to be anything other than pessimistic, and if we lose tomorrow and still there's no response from the Chairman - The alarm bells will be sounded. Brenda Jackson

8:53pm Mon 17 Sep 12

OxRoxBox says...

Any successful manager has the respect of his staff and leads by example - even those without massive funds can do this. Look at, dare I say it, Reading and with on paper mediocre players they have twice made the Premiership in recent years under Coppell and now - they play as a team for the Manager as they respect him and why dont we do that? Can't see Wilder taking the blame the way Coppell used to ..
Any successful manager has the respect of his staff and leads by example - even those without massive funds can do this. Look at, dare I say it, Reading and with on paper mediocre players they have twice made the Premiership in recent years under Coppell and now - they play as a team for the Manager as they respect him and why dont we do that? Can't see Wilder taking the blame the way Coppell used to .. OxRoxBox

3:56pm Tue 18 Sep 12

Wally Ford says...

Mid table mediocrity this season I'm afraid. The team is no better than last season and the lack of quality signings along with the announcement of a more 'scientific' approach to team improvement guaranteed this outcome prior to a ball being kicked in August.
Mid table mediocrity this season I'm afraid. The team is no better than last season and the lack of quality signings along with the announcement of a more 'scientific' approach to team improvement guaranteed this outcome prior to a ball being kicked in August. Wally Ford

4:51pm Thu 20 Sep 12

Micky Hazard says...

AylesburyOx wrote:
Micky Hazard wrote:
I'm usually on the wind-up with you lot, but you genuinely seem to be so pre-occupied and obsessed with us (I think you know who!), that you appear to take your collective eye off the ball, forgetting that you need to perform for 9 months? This embarrassing outlook that you have seems to consume you all, from the chairman, that tw@t Rosenthal, your fans, manager, coaches - everyone. Why do you think we gloat so much, & act all smug? It's because you're SO easy to wind up. We don't need to adopt your attitude because we recognise the bigger picture. Ok yeh of course we want to beat you & ram it down your throats, and the recent defeats have been an irritation, BUT NO MORE THAN THAT. Christ, when we do beat you god knows how some of you saddo's will cope. Ok I am on the wind-up a little bit, but my points still stand. COYR!!!!
I think you'll find nobody here is trying to wind you up.

If others are doing it on your forum than you are correct that they are missing the big picture but trust me when I say that right now 99.9% of true Oxford fans care less about Swindon and more about our own underperforming side.
You've misunderstood - I said I'M usually on the wind-up. Not bothered about anyone trying to wind me up. Opposing fans going on each other's forums is just the way of the world I'm afraid.
I hope you're right about caring less about us, but, having lived in West Oxon for over 30 years, I highly doubt it.
[quote][p][bold]AylesburyOx[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Micky Hazard[/bold] wrote: I'm usually on the wind-up with you lot, but you genuinely seem to be so pre-occupied and obsessed with us (I think you know who!), that you appear to take your collective eye off the ball, forgetting that you need to perform for 9 months? This embarrassing outlook that you have seems to consume you all, from the chairman, that tw@t Rosenthal, your fans, manager, coaches - everyone. Why do you think we gloat so much, & act all smug? It's because you're SO easy to wind up. We don't need to adopt your attitude because we recognise the bigger picture. Ok yeh of course we want to beat you & ram it down your throats, and the recent defeats have been an irritation, BUT NO MORE THAN THAT. Christ, when we do beat you god knows how some of you saddo's will cope. Ok I am on the wind-up a little bit, but my points still stand. COYR!!!![/p][/quote]I think you'll find nobody here is trying to wind you up. If others are doing it on your forum than you are correct that they are missing the big picture but trust me when I say that right now 99.9% of true Oxford fans care less about Swindon and more about our own underperforming side.[/p][/quote]You've misunderstood - I said I'M usually on the wind-up. Not bothered about anyone trying to wind me up. Opposing fans going on each other's forums is just the way of the world I'm afraid. I hope you're right about caring less about us, but, having lived in West Oxon for over 30 years, I highly doubt it. Micky Hazard

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