Wilder: Injuries restricted what I could do (From Banbury Cake)
When It Happens Panel Get involved: send your photos, videos, news & views by texting 'OXFORD NEWS' to 80360 or email
Wilder: Injuries restricted what I could do
10:00am Monday 24th September 2012 in Sport
By Mark Edwards, Sports Editor. Call me on 01865 425451
Chris Wilder
CHRIS Wilder knows that Oxford United ’s performance against Bradford was nowhere near good enough, writes MARK EDWARDS.
But the U’s manager said that with nine players unavailable to start the match, his hands were tied in terms of the team he picked.
Naming Sean Rigg as a substitute was the only selection dilemma facing Wilder ahead of Saturday’s match.
And with Lee Cox playing despite not being fully fit, the formation of his side also picked itself.
“I don’t think I have been dealt a great hand at the moment,” Wilder said.
“That’s not me trying to spin anything, that’s me being honest.
“I had nine players who I couldn’t start the game with, and some big players as well. I think people appreciate that because it is a massive number.
“The supporters tried to raise us today – and yes there were bits and pieces said from some people – but they could see the lack of confidence out there.”
He added: “Usually in a 23-man squad you would have 12 decisions to make (for the bench), but today I had one.
“Riggy was the only decision I had to make.
“Leven, Smalley and Worley were on the bench, but they can’t start games at the moment.
“And as for formation, I couldn’t play 4-4-2, so I was very limited.
“The display was not good enough, but I would say please judge us when we have everyone back.
“Of course, I understand that football is not always like that and you don’t always have the opportunity to pick everybody, but nine players is a huge amount.”
Comments are closed on this article.

Comments (22)
10:12am Mon 24 Sep 12
Open your eyes says...
Not only are the 'injuries' being used - we had the same batch of players less Chapman injured when we won three out of three, but your restriction to consider anything other than 4-3-3 also didn't help.
How about playing players who could fit into a formation, Chirs? How about Calpadi at LM in a four man midfield (maybe Potter or Rigg could have filled that odd RM position), O'Brien LB - that sounds a novel idea!
No No No, you couldn't possibly do that and take any blame or responsibility.
Get out of the club.
10:19am Mon 24 Sep 12
oufcmainman says...
10:47am Mon 24 Sep 12
yeomanry says...
11:04am Mon 24 Sep 12
Ians view says...
It's not just that nine players are out, it's the fact that many of them are midfielders that is hurting. If one of the nine was a goal keeper, it would have lessened the impact.
The only fully fit senior midfielder is playing so poorly at the moment that he is being substituted...
11:32am Mon 24 Sep 12
Underfaker says...
11:49am Mon 24 Sep 12
Merekat1 says...
Please please please walk away Mr Wilder for you are well and truly out of your depth.
11:50am Mon 24 Sep 12
Southstandupper says...
11:54am Mon 24 Sep 12
AylesburyOx says...
Mr Wilder YOU sign the players - if they are not up to standard then that's on you!
You also coach them so if they don't know their ar*e from their elbow then that is also down to you.
We were shocking and I'm sick of saying it every week - you should of gone at the end of last season. You HAVE to go now for the sake of the players, club and most of all fans!
12:03pm Mon 24 Sep 12
BigOx22 says...
3:16pm Mon 24 Sep 12
jonny1976 says...
After what i heard today from a reputible source the problem is not Wilder but Lenagan. If Lenagan gets rid of Wilder he will not be able to replace him with a better one because he doesn't want to pay for it. Lenagan is taking the club into the same direction as Kassam did.
Another loss is annoying but its not the end of the world, all will come good.
In Wilder we trust
Lenagan OUT!
3:24pm Mon 24 Sep 12
AylesburyOx says...
The squad look fractured, toothless and worst of all, disinterested. This is down to the manager, Chris Wilder, it is his squad. He has reached the limit of his ability and must now step aside.
As for your reputable source, I also have one at the club who says the exact opposite and it is Wilder who feels he is bigger than the club.
I know who I choose to believe.
3:25pm Mon 24 Sep 12
oldun says...
4:51pm Mon 24 Sep 12
Atomic1 says...
5:59pm Mon 24 Sep 12
Bis4badger says...
5:59pm Mon 24 Sep 12
BigYellowScarf says...
7:35pm Mon 24 Sep 12
adlibber says...
Lenagan isn't helping the cause with his unprofessional attitude and he should at least make a statement about where the club is heading. If he wants out then it's up to him to find a buyer. as long as he keeps Wilder and the woeful performances he's producing on the pitch Lenagan will lose money so it makes more sense for him to act sooner.
I have no faith at all in Wilder I'm so sick of his repetition of mistakes.and laughable excuses
7:52pm Mon 24 Sep 12
Brenda Jackson says...
and wants his team to play 'More Direct' Football!!
I'd leave it another dozen matches or So Mr Wilder, you might get lucky yet.
8:54pm Mon 24 Sep 12
wilder go please says...
wilder has used injuries as an excuse for years. Every team is dealt the same hand regarding injuries, we are no different. wilder's training methods must be partly to blame.
wilder please walk, you are now starting to rile on many supporters, you are pulling the team down from where you brought it.
Unfortunately, you are a typical arrogant northener, you will therefore hopefully be pushed on Tuesday.
WILDER OUT, NOW!!!!
1:50pm Tue 25 Sep 12
marathon2012 says...
6:58pm Tue 25 Sep 12
WindsorYellow says...
9:08pm Tue 25 Sep 12
snaggle says...
9:44pm Tue 25 Sep 12
oldun says...