Woe for Wilder

9:30am Tuesday 16th October 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 boss Chris Wilder during last night’s 3-0 defeat by Port Vale Oxford United boss Chris Wilder during last night’s 3-0 defeat by Port Vale

Chris Wilder felt it was a case of “men against boys” as Oxford United were well beaten 3-0 at high-flying Port Vale last night.

There was little to choose between the sides in the npower League Two clash until Tom Pope pounced on a rebound to open the scoring on 30 minutes.

From then on, United were always second best and goals from Ashley Vincent and Sam Morsy early in the second half made the game safe.

The visitors might have fallen further adrift in a one-sided final half-hour in which Jennison Myrie-Williams ran riot.

U’s boss Chris Wilder had no complaints over the result and was disappointed with the application of his side once they fell behind.

He said: “As soon as the first goal went in we were up against it and then we conceded a really poor second goal.

“Then really there was only one winner, it was men versus boys from our point of view.”

The heavy defeat ended a run of three games without defeat for United.

Wilder admitted most of the good work had been undone over the course of the 90 minutes.

He said: “It’s a backwards step which is disappointing, because we’ve had a decent ten days.

“I thought we’d turned the corner a little bit, but I think you saw the reaction as soon as the second one went in – it was heads down and people were looking after themselves.

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“It really was comfortable for a team in form.”

Peter Leven was due to start the game, but was a late withdrawal after his knee swelled up following training on Sunday.

It is thought the Scot will have recovered in time for Saturday’s home game against Accrington Stanley.

Comments (12)

9:56am Tue 16 Oct 12

Manor Born says...

Just go. If you want what is best for this club, then pack your bags and leave now so that a new manager has time to assess the shambles you have created, get rid of the deadwood and shape us into a squad capable of achieving things.

Oh and please turn off the lights, lock your office door and give the keys to Mary in the front office on your way out.
Just go. If you want what is best for this club, then pack your bags and leave now so that a new manager has time to assess the shambles you have created, get rid of the deadwood and shape us into a squad capable of achieving things. Oh and please turn off the lights, lock your office door and give the keys to Mary in the front office on your way out. Manor Born

12:36pm Tue 16 Oct 12

greengarden says...

Manor Born wrote:
Just go. If you want what is best for this club, then pack your bags and leave now so that a new manager has time to assess the shambles you have created, get rid of the deadwood and shape us into a squad capable of achieving things.

Oh and please turn off the lights, lock your office door and give the keys to Mary in the front office on your way out.
Grow up will you !! Have you ever played or managed a club? Your entitled to your opinion as a supportor I agree with than.

But just rmember whats happend at this club and the job Wilder has done for us, yes it maybe time for change. Like any job or business management come and go and thats to be expected.

But to throw everything at Wilder, who has little or no money, catastrophic injuries to deal with, had to work with 'bargain basement players' - even Jose Mourinho would struggle to get results !!!

Last night was an appalling display and yes changes are needed, but remember the trash mgmt we had before Wilder !!! He has done a top job, its the owners and directors of club that need to invest if we are to develop. If they don't invest then accept it 'Mr Manor Born' we wil remain exactly where we are. Why do you think Kelvin walked away ????

I despair with some of you people on these forums, I think you truely believe we are bigger than we are, I'd love a mega rich owner to come along and spend millions££'s new ground, new players, top mgmt etc. But right now we are where we are and without invesment at the very top we an only ever attract mediocre talent.

Chris Wilder thank you for getting us back into league football and you will remembered for that forever!......whoeve
r comes in will have a lot to compete with on that front especially as the club currently stands.
[quote][p][bold]Manor Born[/bold] wrote: Just go. If you want what is best for this club, then pack your bags and leave now so that a new manager has time to assess the shambles you have created, get rid of the deadwood and shape us into a squad capable of achieving things. Oh and please turn off the lights, lock your office door and give the keys to Mary in the front office on your way out.[/p][/quote]Grow up will you !! Have you ever played or managed a club? Your entitled to your opinion as a supportor I agree with than. But just rmember whats happend at this club and the job Wilder has done for us, yes it maybe time for change. Like any job or business management come and go and thats to be expected. But to throw everything at Wilder, who has little or no money, catastrophic injuries to deal with, had to work with 'bargain basement players' - even Jose Mourinho would struggle to get results !!! Last night was an appalling display and yes changes are needed, but remember the trash mgmt we had before Wilder !!! He has done a top job, its the owners and directors of club that need to invest if we are to develop. If they don't invest then accept it 'Mr Manor Born' we wil remain exactly where we are. Why do you think Kelvin walked away ???? I despair with some of you people on these forums, I think you truely believe we are bigger than we are, I'd love a mega rich owner to come along and spend millions££'s new ground, new players, top mgmt etc. But right now we are where we are and without invesment at the very top we an only ever attract mediocre talent. Chris Wilder thank you for getting us back into league football and you will remembered for that forever!......whoeve r comes in will have a lot to compete with on that front especially as the club currently stands. greengarden

1:32pm Tue 16 Oct 12

Manor Born says...

Yes, Mr Wilder got us out of the Conference, but that doesn't mean he cannot be held accountable for his poor management of the side since March last season. Have you seen our record? It is woeful and if we carry on the way we are, it will be us at the bottom of the Football League. We are a worse team now than when we dropped out of the league before. There is no balance in the squad, the players only seem to want to paly when it suits them and but for a lucky win against a poor team who we managed to make look good for long periods and inspired goalkeeping from Clarke against the league leaders, we would be sitting 1 point off relegation.

Yes we have had injuries, but how many of them have been soft tissue injuries caused by mis-management and inadequate training? The chairman is trying to address this, but this will take time. This is the manager and his coaching staff's responsibility and they have failed spectacularly. Wilder has received backing from the chairman, he was told he could bring players in as cover for those injured. Port Vale have had a restricted budget and a playing squad limited to just 20 because they have been in administration, they seem to have been doing ok so far this season... You can't blame a lack of budget from the board, Wilder was given a perfectly reasonable budget, agreed to it and then proceeded to blow it. For example, it was well known that Duberry would be out for some time (one injury not of the manager's making), but instead of reacting early to the situation, the manager has lurched from one panic loan to another...

Wilder built the squad, he is responsible for their well-being and maintaining their fitness to a level you would expect of a group of professionals. He has failed.

I was a previous supporter of Wilder, in May, I was saying we should give him a chance. He's had that chance, he hasn't improved the squad, he has made it worse, the club is going backwards under his stewardship and that is something we cannot afford to do again. It is easy to get out of this division and fall into the Non-League, it's a hell of a lot harder to get back again.

Last night was indeed an appalling display, it hasn't been the only one: Bradford, Cheltenham, Exeter all spring to mind. We have one of the worst defensive records in the entire league - only Wimbledon and Barnet have conceded more than our 24 in 12 games. Add to that the lack of creativity and our inability to even look like scoring a goal. If we were being unlucky in matches, you could say ok, we can turn this around, but we're not being unlucky, we're just plain and simply awful. We are a poor side, a poorly assembled squad and a pitiful shambles. Fair enough, you find this acceptable, I personally don't.

I am not one of those who think we have an automatic right to be in League 1 or even this league, but I do expect a team that is commited, plays with passion and a bit of heart. This current team are spineless and have no strength of character at all. The go one down, it is game over, their heads drop and they lose interest. The display last night and many of the ones before it, you could see that the players expected to lose. It was the manager who signed these players, it is the manager who plays these players, it is the manager who trains them. It is the manager who has failed.

Thank you CW for getting us back into the League, it was goood for a while, but like most good things, it comes to an end.
Yes, Mr Wilder got us out of the Conference, but that doesn't mean he cannot be held accountable for his poor management of the side since March last season. Have you seen our record? It is woeful and if we carry on the way we are, it will be us at the bottom of the Football League. We are a worse team now than when we dropped out of the league before. There is no balance in the squad, the players only seem to want to paly when it suits them and but for a lucky win against a poor team who we managed to make look good for long periods and inspired goalkeeping from Clarke against the league leaders, we would be sitting 1 point off relegation. Yes we have had injuries, but how many of them have been soft tissue injuries caused by mis-management and inadequate training? The chairman is trying to address this, but this will take time. This is the manager and his coaching staff's responsibility and they have failed spectacularly. Wilder has received backing from the chairman, he was told he could bring players in as cover for those injured. Port Vale have had a restricted budget and a playing squad limited to just 20 because they have been in administration, they seem to have been doing ok so far this season... You can't blame a lack of budget from the board, Wilder was given a perfectly reasonable budget, agreed to it and then proceeded to blow it. For example, it was well known that Duberry would be out for some time (one injury not of the manager's making), but instead of reacting early to the situation, the manager has lurched from one panic loan to another... Wilder built the squad, he is responsible for their well-being and maintaining their fitness to a level you would expect of a group of professionals. He has failed. I was a previous supporter of Wilder, in May, I was saying we should give him a chance. He's had that chance, he hasn't improved the squad, he has made it worse, the club is going backwards under his stewardship and that is something we cannot afford to do again. It is easy to get out of this division and fall into the Non-League, it's a hell of a lot harder to get back again. Last night was indeed an appalling display, it hasn't been the only one: Bradford, Cheltenham, Exeter all spring to mind. We have one of the worst defensive records in the entire league - only Wimbledon and Barnet have conceded more than our 24 in 12 games. Add to that the lack of creativity and our inability to even look like scoring a goal. If we were being unlucky in matches, you could say ok, we can turn this around, but we're not being unlucky, we're just plain and simply awful. We are a poor side, a poorly assembled squad and a pitiful shambles. Fair enough, you find this acceptable, I personally don't. I am not one of those who think we have an automatic right to be in League 1 or even this league, but I do expect a team that is commited, plays with passion and a bit of heart. This current team are spineless and have no strength of character at all. The go one down, it is game over, their heads drop and they lose interest. The display last night and many of the ones before it, you could see that the players expected to lose. It was the manager who signed these players, it is the manager who plays these players, it is the manager who trains them. It is the manager who has failed. Thank you CW for getting us back into the League, it was goood for a while, but like most good things, it comes to an end. Manor Born

2:00pm Tue 16 Oct 12

adlibber says...

Greengarden - Manorborn has won this debate comfortably - I think every Oxford fan will be eternally grateful for wilder reclaiming a league spot for us- but many Oxford fans also recognise that Wilder could also be the man to lose our league status. His excuses are tired and overused and our performances in the last 20 odd games has seen just 3 wins. it is simply not good enough. wilder has had plenty of time to sort this mess and he's no longer capable of doing so. If he doesn't leave soon I fear relegation.

You can't keep burying your head in the sand. Players on that pitch last night looked totally disinterested in playing for Wilder or even the club itself. clearly change is needed if this festering malaise is to stop. If we play like we did last night for rest of the reason it will be a relegation battle. If the club go back to the conference I think it could eventually fold or simply hover in non league for foreseeable future. Wilder has no ideas no vision and his post match comments on Sky were those of a beaten man.
Greengarden - Manorborn has won this debate comfortably - I think every Oxford fan will be eternally grateful for wilder reclaiming a league spot for us- but many Oxford fans also recognise that Wilder could also be the man to lose our league status. His excuses are tired and overused and our performances in the last 20 odd games has seen just 3 wins. it is simply not good enough. wilder has had plenty of time to sort this mess and he's no longer capable of doing so. If he doesn't leave soon I fear relegation. You can't keep burying your head in the sand. Players on that pitch last night looked totally disinterested in playing for Wilder or even the club itself. clearly change is needed if this festering malaise is to stop. If we play like we did last night for rest of the reason it will be a relegation battle. If the club go back to the conference I think it could eventually fold or simply hover in non league for foreseeable future. Wilder has no ideas no vision and his post match comments on Sky were those of a beaten man. adlibber

2:28pm Tue 16 Oct 12

Micky Hazard says...

WILDER IN!!!!!!
I can promise you that all of us Town fans are shaking our heads in disbelief wondering how the hell we've managed to lose to you 3 times in the last year or so.
Having said that, we'd also like to thank you for the wonderful entertainment that you gave us last night. Laugh? I nearly went to Ethiopia hahahahahahahaha.
Sky have their 'Super Sunday', well I'd like to rename yesterday as 'Marvellous, Magnificent Monday'.
IF YOU LIVE WITH A POXFORD FAN - BE SURE TO REMOVE ALL SHARP OBJECTS FROM YOUR HOUSE - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED :)
WILDER IN!!!!!! I can promise you that all of us Town fans are shaking our heads in disbelief wondering how the hell we've managed to lose to you 3 times in the last year or so. Having said that, we'd also like to thank you for the wonderful entertainment that you gave us last night. Laugh? I nearly went to Ethiopia hahahahahahahaha. Sky have their 'Super Sunday', well I'd like to rename yesterday as 'Marvellous, Magnificent Monday'. IF YOU LIVE WITH A POXFORD FAN - BE SURE TO REMOVE ALL SHARP OBJECTS FROM YOUR HOUSE - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED :) Micky Hazard

2:55pm Tue 16 Oct 12

35 year fan says...

his time's up mr chairman, and only a rival fan could disagree.
his time's up mr chairman, and only a rival fan could disagree. 35 year fan

3:28pm Tue 16 Oct 12

nouser75 says...

Again people standing up for Wilder, which is fair enough for what he has done in the past. Remember the PAST, when bad management and poor decisions by a board not to remove said management! Time to move on.
(Swinedump fans, get your own site!)
Again people standing up for Wilder, which is fair enough for what he has done in the past. Remember the PAST, when bad management and poor decisions by a board not to remove said management! Time to move on. (Swinedump fans, get your own site!) nouser75

4:40pm Tue 16 Oct 12

Ians view says...

One of the most important pieces of a successful football TEAM, is having a regular pairing of centre backs. How many pairings have Oxford had this season? Is it four or five - and it's probable that there'll be another new pairing on Saturday.

The midfield has also been blighted by injuries, and each team selection seems to have had a forced change due to injury in this department.

Pre-season fixtures are about players improving their fitness and getting used to working together on the pitch - but there has not been much opportunity for players to play together as a consistent unit this season.

Although Oxford have put players on the pitch this season, due to the injuries, there has been little opportunity to put out a team, and football is a team game.
One of the most important pieces of a successful football TEAM, is having a regular pairing of centre backs. How many pairings have Oxford had this season? Is it four or five - and it's probable that there'll be another new pairing on Saturday. The midfield has also been blighted by injuries, and each team selection seems to have had a forced change due to injury in this department. Pre-season fixtures are about players improving their fitness and getting used to working together on the pitch - but there has not been much opportunity for players to play together as a consistent unit this season. Although Oxford have put players on the pitch this season, due to the injuries, there has been little opportunity to put out a team, and football is a team game. Ians view

5:37pm Tue 16 Oct 12

Chish and Fips says...

Micky Hazard wrote:
WILDER IN!!!!!!
I can promise you that all of us Town fans are shaking our heads in disbelief wondering how the hell we've managed to lose to you 3 times in the last year or so.
Having said that, we'd also like to thank you for the wonderful entertainment that you gave us last night. Laugh? I nearly went to Ethiopia hahahahahahahaha.
Sky have their 'Super Sunday', well I'd like to rename yesterday as 'Marvellous, Magnificent Monday'.
IF YOU LIVE WITH A POXFORD FAN - BE SURE TO REMOVE ALL SHARP OBJECTS FROM YOUR HOUSE - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED :)
I managed by accident to channel hop onto it for a while - and thought the same - awful - rabbits in the headlights - totally outplayed ..
[quote][p][bold]Micky Hazard[/bold] wrote: WILDER IN!!!!!! I can promise you that all of us Town fans are shaking our heads in disbelief wondering how the hell we've managed to lose to you 3 times in the last year or so. Having said that, we'd also like to thank you for the wonderful entertainment that you gave us last night. Laugh? I nearly went to Ethiopia hahahahahahahaha. Sky have their 'Super Sunday', well I'd like to rename yesterday as 'Marvellous, Magnificent Monday'. IF YOU LIVE WITH A POXFORD FAN - BE SURE TO REMOVE ALL SHARP OBJECTS FROM YOUR HOUSE - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED :)[/p][/quote]I managed by accident to channel hop onto it for a while - and thought the same - awful - rabbits in the headlights - totally outplayed .. Chish and Fips

10:47pm Tue 16 Oct 12

The Manager says...

Wilders description of the players that played at Port Vale was really poor and typical of a manager in trouble but remember Mr. Wilder these players were good enough for you to sign and now it would appear that you are not a very good judge of players yourself. Constantly changing the formation playing players out of position time has now caught up with you. Is it time for a change or does Mr. Lenegan feel that possibly our place is not in the Football League but in the Conference. Now is the time to come clean and be completely honest as to what your real intent is. You owe it to the fans that have stood by this club through thick and thin.
Wilders description of the players that played at Port Vale was really poor and typical of a manager in trouble but remember Mr. Wilder these players were good enough for you to sign and now it would appear that you are not a very good judge of players yourself. Constantly changing the formation playing players out of position time has now caught up with you. Is it time for a change or does Mr. Lenegan feel that possibly our place is not in the Football League but in the Conference. Now is the time to come clean and be completely honest as to what your real intent is. You owe it to the fans that have stood by this club through thick and thin. The Manager

9:08am Wed 17 Oct 12

Doctor69 says...

Wilder out now.

Absolutely useless performance, again!

The excuse of injuries is beyond overused. Yea there are injuries but deal with it. Port Vale are still in admin and have a squad they cannot add to but they are not crying about it. Instead they have assembled a balanced team with pace who play football......and what a shock they get results!

Anyone who defends wilder and says he has no money etc, we have already hit our 65% limit for wages so he couldn't bring anyone in even if the chairman offered to buy us Messi! It's wilders squad, he is to blame.

Thanks for all you have done chris, but your time is up.

We need a fresh face with a fresh approach and maybe we could salvage this season. If change isn't made soon a relegation fight will be on the cards.
Wilder out now. Absolutely useless performance, again! The excuse of injuries is beyond overused. Yea there are injuries but deal with it. Port Vale are still in admin and have a squad they cannot add to but they are not crying about it. Instead they have assembled a balanced team with pace who play football......and what a shock they get results! Anyone who defends wilder and says he has no money etc, we have already hit our 65% limit for wages so he couldn't bring anyone in even if the chairman offered to buy us Messi! It's wilders squad, he is to blame. Thanks for all you have done chris, but your time is up. We need a fresh face with a fresh approach and maybe we could salvage this season. If change isn't made soon a relegation fight will be on the cards. Doctor69

12:02pm Sat 20 Oct 12

RocketMan says...

I have supported Wilder and still do as manager. Jumping ship is not the answer, it is the team as well which has to produce the goods. What concerns me is the issues of last seasons of failure to score goals and take chances and the feebleness of the defence to prevent goals without Duberry have not been addressed.
By the time all the injured players are fully fit it may be too late to turn the season round. I don't think we have upped our game since the team which failed to make the play off's last season. Top team score goals and ruthlessly punish the mistakes of their opponents. Until we can do this Oxford will struggle if promoted.
I have supported Wilder and still do as manager. Jumping ship is not the answer, it is the team as well which has to produce the goods. What concerns me is the issues of last seasons of failure to score goals and take chances and the feebleness of the defence to prevent goals without Duberry have not been addressed. By the time all the injured players are fully fit it may be too late to turn the season round. I don't think we have upped our game since the team which failed to make the play off's last season. Top team score goals and ruthlessly punish the mistakes of their opponents. Until we can do this Oxford will struggle if promoted. RocketMan

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