An Open Letter to the BBC Trust and the Football League Show

By Andy Roberts,

I am writing in an optimistic attempt to right a baffling wrong. Four and a bit years ago, BBC One manfully took on the apparently thankless burden of broadcasting highlights of all those difficult fiddly bits of football beneath Her Majesty's Glorious Premier League.

ITV once had a go at it; with a stark honesty they named their show The Championship after the FA and Coca Cola's brave rebranding of The Best Second Tier Division In the World (tm). Their show contained extensive highlights from the Championship while giving just a cursory nod to the Football League's embarrassing undercarriage; briefly debuting the goal clips from Leagues One and Two.

In 2009, when Aunty took on the responsibility of the less glamorous divisions, encumbered as she is by a heavy public service remit, supporters of lower league clubs were buoyed by the notion that they might be afforded a less thrifty share of the airtime. This notion was reinforced by the exciting news that the BBC were giving the new programme the collective and inclusive title of The Football League Show.

This optimism was short-lived, as it became clear that 80 - 90 per cent of each programme would be given over to the Championship, with (most of) the goals from Leagues One and Two unceremoniously shoved to the back end.

So BBC Trust, we don't want you to worry too much about our usual share on the Football League Show, we got used to that pretty quickly. League Two footballers on Twitter can often be found joking about falling asleep before the goals they scored are broadcast. We also look forward to the rare appearance of the unfailing enthusiastic (or unapologetically patronising) Mark Clemmit at our grounds, as it guarantees a larger share of the Football League Show for our beloved side. It's part of the fun.

What we REALLY struggle with though, is the apparent total disregard we're shown in an international week when the Championship is not in play. We're not expecting an hour of extended highlights each... We're more aware of our standing in the world than that. But we do find it enormously difficult to understand why, just because the Championship isn't happening, the BBC thinks that the other two thirds of the Football League have suddenly become disinterested in seeing the goals from their teams' games on the Football League Show.

A simple 30 minute show, with straight-forward goal highlights from most games and a little snippet from Clem or somebody similar (or entirely different)... There must be room for that?

Thank you for listening.

Andy
A retired football commentator, aged 33 and a half.

http://oxpodunited.podomatic.com/ 

Follow @jonnybiscuits Follow @bigbananaboys

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Why Are Oxford So Poor at Home?

By Michael Roberson,

This season, and for many previous, our home form has been our downfall. Where we’ve thrived on the road, the Kassam hasn’t been the fortress every manager wants their home ground to be. No opposition looks intimidated by the prospect of playing here, no away fans quietened by the roaring atmosphere here, no consistent form here. So, why? Why can I never enjoy the journey up to Grenoble Road, calm and assured of an excellent performance and three points? Why won’t the starting XI run the game like a home side should?

Firstly, there’s the atmosphere. Now, the introduction of the ‘Yellow Army’ to liven up match days is beginning to improve the vibe. But for a majority of the game the atmosphere often falls flat. The role of the fan to cheer his team on fails at points – granted because often there isn’t much to cheer. And this tense, unimpressed feeling from the fans will trickle down to the players who are receptive to the anxiety felt in the stands, increasing pressure on them to perform. The fans that make the long journeys away however are going to be in louder voice, cheering on the team through the lows, because they’ve made the long journey to a League Two ground. Perhaps it’s the lift the players experience only away from the Kassam that provokes a more effective style of football.

Talking of anxiety, maybe it’s the expectation of a win that can add to the pressure of the players, making them more nervous on the pitch. Three points are almost always what the fans expect from a home performance, maybe the players know this. And if they do, the expectation level rises, whereas on the road if we drop a point or three the players won’t be as disappointed because there isn’t that element of expectancy. 

Picture by @Daniel21Leggett

Another problem at home is that we’re not positive enough. Many times if we do go a goal up we tend to sit back and commit fewer men forward. Not to the same extent as in the Atkins days, but we need to kill teams off and we very rarely do. When was the last time we really dominated any side at home? If we want the opposition to be afraid of playing here, this aspect’s got to improve.

One thing’s for sure though, right now we can’t blame the pitch. The summer investment of £50,000 means United have (at least for now) a pitch of high quality. Last season, the turf played its part in leading to some very poor passing and controlling the ball, but right now that can’t be considered a problem. Let’s moan about that later in the year when London Welsh have torn it to shreds! 

And with the £50,000 we have available to invest on a pitch, it’s clear we’re a big club in this league. Like what we see at Old Trafford, maybe it’s a case of teams upping their game at a bigger club? I know we’re no Man Utd but you get what I’m saying.

Whatever it is that’s wrong at the moment though needs sorting. If we were to combine our solid away form with consistent performances and three points back in Oxford, we’d be looking like promotion favourites. At this rate though, it’s League Two for us again next season. 

Follow @MichaelOnToast

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MATCH REPORT: Wantage Town 2-1 Oxford United

By Harry Burton

Oxford United U18's went down 2-1 to a strong Wantage Town side but put up a good display and in truth deserved something from the game. Oxford went into the game on the back of an emphatic 10-1 win over Deddington Town on Saturday while Wantage had a 2-1 success over Milton United. With Oxford's first team playing in Scotland against Alloa Athletic, it was a chance for the Oxford fans that didn't travel to see the promising talent coming through the ranks such as Aidan Hawtin, Josh Ashby, James Roberts, Marvin Ekpiteta and Eddie Cavanagh. It was a cool evening so the conditions were a lot better than the sweltering temperatures of Saturday.

The opening stages were fairly even and both sides played the ball around well with a fairly flat playing surface to play on at Alfredian Park. Oxford's Muctaru Conte looked lively with pacy runs down the left wing, while Wantage's Anaclet Odhiambo - brother of former Oxford player Eddie Anaclet - linked up well with the powerful forward Jimmy Deabill. Wantage had a few tame efforts on goal with some rolling harmlessly wide or falling into the reliable hands of Cavanagh. From defence to attack there were great passes being exchanged by Oxford which is exactly what the supporters want to see at all age groups of the club.

Hawtin rolled a shot wide as Oxford started to create space around the box after good spells of possession. But soon after at the other end Wantage had a great opportunity to take the lead as a free kick found Deabill in the box, but he shot wide. Oxford began to give away possession as Wantage started to create more chances and the hosts came close when a cross was headed over by Deabill. Deabill was proving to be a menace to the Oxford defence and went close when a clearance from Cavanagh rebounded off him, but it rolled wide of the goal.

Wantage took the lead when a low cross was drilled in from the right by Tom Austin and the defence froze, giving Odhiambo room in the box to score a tap in. Oxford had defended well until then but a simple lapse in concentration was costly. Wantage began to press for a second and Cavanagh caught a dangerous-looking dropping ball with Odhiambo ready to pounce. Oxford then had an excellent chance to equalise when Aidan Hawtin ran into the box but he fired his shot at the goalkeeper. The last action of the half was Wantage's goalkeeper Sharkey making an excellent save from a Sam Humphries header.

Oxford started the second half well with plenty of possession but soon after fell further behind. A Wantage cross caused a scramble in the box and Danny Lachacz reacted first and poked it into the net to make it 2-0. Oxford stepped it up to try and rescue something from the game and could have had a penalty after an apparent push on Aidan Hawtin, but the referee waved the protests away.

Soon after Oxford pulled a goal back, a poor punch by Wantage sub goalie Matt Collis fell to Josh Ashby and his shot found the corner of the net to make it 2-1. Wantage then went close again after a scramble but the shot went just wide of the post. The game then started to become a midfield affair with both sides' defences holding firm and reducing each other to shots from distance.

In the latter stages of the game the Oxford defence let Wantage in but Cavanagh came out to clear the danger. Oxford didn't create any real chances in the closing stages bar one deflected shot into the keeper's hands. Richie Guy went close with a lobbed effort which went just over the bar for Wantage and soon after the referee bought proceedings to a close.

Despite the result Oxford can take a lot of positives from the game. They certainly dealt with a powerful side well, which was impressive considering it was a young Oxford side. Oxford deserved something from the game but it wasn't meant to be and they now move on to a friendly with Abingdon United while the first team are in action at the border boys of Berwick Rangers.

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The Retained List Debate

It's always one of the most interesting parts of the close-season: the announcement of the retained list. Some years there are relatively few changes, with big players secured on longer contracts and little work to be done; other years we see wholesale change as the club seeks to rebuild. This year is one of the latter. And with the announcement that twelve players are to leave the club this summer, including big names such as Peter Leven and Michael Duberry, this move was always going to spark vigorous debate among United fans. Here are a selection of differing opinions on this year's retained list:

@mattp2490

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I am always one for going with first gut reactions and in the case of Oxford’s retained and released list the first reaction was one of mild shock and surprise. However, having mulled over the names released and retained it actually makes a great deal of sense, with a couple of names that I perhaps disagree with. The list is however the biggest indication yet, in my opinion, that Lenegan and Wilder are desperate to change the state of play at Oxford United FC.

The retained list is promising; including the likes of Crocombe and Marsh shows Oxford’s desire to bring youth through the ranks and this will sit well with many fans I’m sure. Young players who have learnt the trade with Oxford, live in Oxford and have the club at heart can only be a good thing. Giving Alfie Potter and Andrew Whing new contracts was almost a given, certainly with the former. The only concern is with Whing and the potential injury threat he carries. The one shock is the much maligned Deane Smalley. I’ve never been a massive fan of his, and the times I have seen him play this season have not filled me with confidence. The performance against Dagenham and Redbridge earlier this month showed me he should probably have been on the other list.

Those who have been told their futures lie away from Yellow and Blue, I wish to say thank you and all the best to every single one of them. The names that stand out most of all, for me, are Batt and Davis. They were a solid pair and with Wright and Duberry they made one of the strongest back fours in the league. Oxford’s problem was getting all four on the pitch at once!

The club was right to not renew contracts with Leven and Duberry. Both were fantastic for Oxford and were firm favourites with the fans and were promising signings for Oxford in what was our second season in the league, but injury stopped any progress they made with the club, and with the new breed of youth coming into the squad it was perhaps inevitable they would not get new contracts. Leven will find a new club, either in League Two or One. Duberry may call it time on his fantastic career, but I wouldn’t be surprised for “Dubes” to feature in the Oxford set up in a coaching role in the future.

The other names on the list are also not that surprising. Pittman and Richards are just too injury prone, Worley was not rated by Wilder for whatever reason; this was obvious in his picking of Raynes over him even when the latter was woefully out of form. Parker and McCormick were promising but were only ever signed as a stop gap to the end of the season, with the latter’s signing incredibly controversial. And as for Craddock, his name appearing on the released list was perhaps the worst kept secret of the second half of the season.

@ABrown31

Follow @ABrown31

We knew this was coming. An impending doom or relief for a number of Oxford United players and supporters, as they await confirmation on their future. We’ve had the furore over Chris Wilder, with the ‘Grenoble Road’ civil war of “Wilderites” and “Wilder Outers” finally taking a backseat. Now we can divert our attention elsewhere momentarily as we decipher, analyse then praise/criticise the look of next year's playing squad.

A dozen players were released, sparking quite the debate in the ‘twitter-verse’ amongst United fans. Stemming from who we should’ve kept, who should’ve left, and how good so and so was anyway. You start to really understand why the summer of transfers and negotiations is often referred to as ‘silly season’.

The Goalkeepers for next year looks to be an immediate strong suit, with the first alliterative goalkeeping battle since Turley/Tardif of the mid 00’s. With youngster Max Crocombe finishing the season in splendid form, easing the fears of any fans who had reservations over his potential to be a future number 1. I envisage Ryan Clarke will resume duties in goal however after recovering from injury; after all he is “England’s Number One”. With two solid goalkeepers, the release of Luke McCormick seemed inevitable. McCormick provided good cover, and will no doubt be well received if he ever returns to the Kassam.

Full backs are where the first controversy arises. Damian Batt, a stalwart in the United back four for a number of years now, has been released. For all the faults aimed at Batt, whether it is his inability at crossing or his tendency for erroneous positioning, this disappointed me. Batt, voted the best right back in the division in our first season back in the league, has always offered an outlet bombarding down the right flank. He’s been a solid player for a number of years, he has held his place from challenges from the likes of Ben Purkiss, and from his goodbye tweet today, seemed to thoroughly enjoy his stay here. If forced to select an Oxford United XI in my time watching the team, I think Batt ousts Scott McNiven as the starting right back. I, as well as I would imagine most other fans, wish him nothing but the best in his future.

On the opposite side, we saw Liam Davis and Tony Capaldi both released, but a contract offer extended to Luke O’Brien. I have no qualms about any of this. Davis hasn’t lived up to his first few months of his spell at the club, and this season has been below-par on numerous occasions. Capaldi enjoyed some of his best displays in yellow in the heart of midfield, whether that’s testament to his versatility, or an indictment of his inadequate performances in his natural position, I’ll leave up for debate. O’Brien has deputised admirably when called upon, whether or not he’ll be the first choice next year is questionable. I’d anticipate a couple of new full backs come August.

In the middle we saw the departure of Harry Worley and Michael Duberry. The former has been obvious for months. Once ‘young player of the year’, Worley has been resorted to being an emergency striker, turned fourth-choice centre back. His exit is understandable. Duberry, again a release with a sense of inevitability about it, led to a more nostalgic feel. Despite his advancing age, and the scepticism his signing came with, Duberry immediately became a firm favourite. His performance and subsequent post-match celebration at Swindon last season placing him in the history books of the club.

With Jake Wright contracted, although undoubtedly peaking the interest of clubs in higher divisions, and the much-maligned Michael Raynes the only remaining centre backs from this past season, I would expect another arrival, and maybe a bigger role for youth-teamer Sam Long. If we’re to believe that the squad is to be “25% Youth teamers” next season, this seems a logical scenario.

Onto the midfield, the season’s scapegoat Simon Heslop has been let go. Despite often being played out of position and sporadically, Heslop has had a thoroughly underwhelming season, looking a shadow of the player we signed in 2010. This, alongside the release of Peter Leven, the oft-injured but ever-influential Scotsman pave the way for another addition to go along with Scott Davies and Andy Whing, who have been offered new deals.

Josh Parker, who impressed at the turn of the year, but then found himself on the fringes of the squad has moved on. This comes as no surprise to many, and again seems a pretty obvious decision to make. With the release of injury-prone Jon-Paul Pittman as well, much to the chagrin of a few, leaves Alfie Potter (who had his option activated) and Sean Rigg as our two wingers for next season. I would think that there’s potentially another acquisition for next season, probably to cover Rigg and Potter, who were two of the standout performers over the season.

In the striking department, the release of Tom Craddock was met with relief by many. Craddock, often seen as “lazy” certainly mixes opinion with supporters. I personally believe we haven’t utilised him to the best of his ability. In his first season, playing on the left in the infamous 4-3-3 (or 4-5-1 depending on your philosophical bend) he scored 15 goals and instantly made his signing from Luton look like shrewd business.

I believe Craddock is an intelligent footballer, maybe sometimes a bit too intelligent, putting him on a different wavelength to others. His effort (or lack thereof) isn’t helped when compared to James Constable, who chases and harries every loose ball like a puppy in the park. If Craddock was scoring goals in the league above next season, I wouldn’t be overly surprised. Justin Richards was also unsurprisingly released.

Next season, the striking options looks to be James Constable, Tyrone Marsh, who was offered a new deal and Deane Smalley, who to the surprise of many, if not all supporters, was offered a new deal. Not necessarily saying I disagree, I thought I’d be vehemently against this. However I cast my mind back to early on this season, prior to an injury, when arguably Smalley was our best striker turning some high calibre performances. If fit, this could be a wise decision on the part of the manager.

As for who we will sign to replace those released, I’m seeing names appear that seem wholly unrealistic. Jacques Magohma and Calvin Zola will not be signing here. Burton potentially will be promoted, and Magohma is attracting interest from higher divisions. Could we see Jake Wright going to Bradford or Plymouth? I would expect to see some , shall we say, “budgeted” moves. With high earners like Leven, Duberry and Craddock off the books, there’s a genuine opportunity to bolster the squad and make it deeper than seasons past.

Robbie Hall proved the idea behind the loan market. I wouldn’t be averse to seeing more youngsters from Premier League development squads plying their trade here. Younger players are often hungrier for success (a theory Dubes makes hard to justify), and are more than likely highly skilled players.

Next season will see a lot of different faces, hopefully a revitalised attitude in the stands, and dare I say a promotion push.

@OXONAssassin

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With a dozen players released from the club (a dozen? that's nearly a squad full), and with a handful being kept, or offered new deals, have the club made the right decisions?

In terms of the retained players, I believe the club were right to keep Whing and Potter, and I also think Davies did enough to earn himself a new deal too. But what about Smalley? Last year he had poor form, this year he was injured for most of it, maybe the 3^rd year is the charm?

As for the players who were released, a lot of good players like Leven, Duberry and Jon Paul Pittman were let go, but they have barely been fit this season, and it's hard to have a consistent season when you don't have a consistent starting line up. Hopefully any new signings won't have the same injury troubles. I was personally shocked at the departures of Batt and Davis, Davis especially.

As for the others, they just aren't part of the future plans. We may see players like Worley and Craddock thrive at other clubs, but it's just not happening here for one reason or another. And with 3 youth players given pro contracts, it's possible we may see more chances given to youth players in the coming seasons. 

Thanks a lot to those three for sharing their opinions on this year's retained list. Here's what a few more of you had to say on Twitter:

@tbfuth Not sure why we'e kept Smalley, and Scott Davies. Both ones that should've gone. Should've kept McCormick and Leven as a gamble.
— Lewis Hallam (@LewisHallam37) May 2, 2013

@ollyhowells @tbfuth You could say that about ANYONE.....'if'. There is no logic in persisting with the same shit
— Tom (@Tom95M) May 2, 2013

@yelbarhdadi @tom95m @tbfuth he probably wasn't good enough this year, but he finished it well and I reckon he'll be a useful player next yr
— Olly Howells (@ollyhowells) May 2, 2013

Buzzing that @hovis1988 is staying at Oxford. Quality little player. #oufc
— Cameron. (@Cameronyeahhh) May 2, 2013

Really? J.P.Pittman and Davis been released. Wilder I hope you have some bloody good players in mind then to replace them #oufc
— Nathan Wallington (@NatWally2711) May 2, 2013

I have stood by our manager for a long time but after reading the released list today, I am very undecided about his abilities now #oufc
— Mitch East (@Mitcheast1) May 2, 2013

Mohsni, Jombati, Schumacher, Howe and a young combative midfielder. That's what's needed #oufc
— Jack Knight (@JDK_) May 2, 2013

Injury prone, high earners gone. Good decisions made so far. Now lets see what we can bring in! #oufc #wilderin
— Ben Symonds (@Benson_3) May 2, 2013

Pretty much 100% agree with the retained list, some big wage savings in there, lets just hope we sign some less injury-prone players! #oufc
— Laura Sanders (@MissSanders9) May 2, 2013

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MATCH REPORT: Oxford United 2-1 Port Vale

By Youcef El-Barhdadi,

What is it with home games against Port Vale, eh? From half-way line strikes to conceding an equalizer in the 92nd minute to scoring the winner in the 93rd minute, when Oxford United and Port Vale meet at the Kassam Stadium, the neutral is rarely left unsatisfied.

Oxford went into the game today with seven points from a possible nine, with the two wins being away from home to Plymouth and top-of-the-tableGillingham. The recent upturn in form has somewhat altered the complexion of Oxford’s season. The club have been struggling in mid-table for the majority of the season, but today’s hard-earned three points has put Oxford in a position to surge towards a play-off place by the end of the season.

Alfie Potter got the scoring underway as he latched on to former U’s centre back Darren Purse’s poor backpass before opening up his body and slotting the ball coolly past Chris Neal into the far corner to make it two in two against the top two for Alfie. An excellent finish that set the tone for the remainder of the game. Despite being a superb game of football, there were countless mistakes made by both sides.

It took Port Vale just a minute to react with a Doug Loft effort from 20 yards going just wide of Oxford goalkeeper Luke McCormick’s right-hand post. But, five minutes later Loft had re-calibrated his right foot sufficiently to guide Tom Pope’s knock-down just inside that right-hand post from 25 yards for 1-1.

Vale almost took the lead in spectacular fashion as Calvin Andrew attempted an overhead kick from the penalty spot. Unfortunately for Vale fans, he is Calvin Andrew and it rolled out harmlessly for a goal kick.

Oxford themselves could have taken the lead just before half time but Sean Rigg could not direct Liam Davis’ cross on target.

As the half time whistle went, United walked off to a ripple of applause and then a chorus of boos as the matchday officials came into view. The U’s supporters clearly upset with the referee’s decision not to award a penalty for what looked a blatant push on Alfie Potter.

The Yellows came out pumped for the second half and appeared to have been suitably motivated by the coaching staff during the break. Deane Smalley continued his tireless work rate up front, Damian Batt carried on providing an option of an overlap on the right and Josh Parker even won a header. Oxford were pushing for a goal with a barrage of corners, free-kicks and throw-ins from the feet (and hands) of stand-in central midfielder Tony Capaldi. In fact, the Vale left back was doing his level best to push Josh Parker with a barrage of shirt pulls, head-locks and even a UFC move that ended in the pair of them going into the referee's book.

Port Vale probed and Ryan Burge saw his effort tipped onto the crossbar after Jake Wright over-played, but it was Oxford that got the winner. James Constable accelerated down the right and provided a cross that Vale’s top goal-scorer Tom Pope almost turned into his own net. From the resulting corner, the ball wasn’t cleared properly by the Vale defence and the ball fell fortunately to Deane Smalley who slammed the ball between the keeper’s legs for his fourth goal of the season and what turned out to be the winner.

Oxford pressed to make the game safe and Liam Davis burst into the box after clever play from Sean Rigg only to be tripped by Ryan Burge. This time the referee pointed to the spot and Oxford had the chance to make the game safe. Sean Rigg took responsibility in the absence of first-choice penalty taker Peter Leven. He smashed the ball hard and low to Chris Neal’s right, but the Vale stopper anticipated and saved well. It wasn’t necessarily a bad penalty, it was just a saved one.

Fortunately, the penalty miss was not to prove costly as United hung on to record their first win at home since Cheltenham Town on New Years Day.

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In Support of Chris Wilder

It's not exactly been a vintage year for Chris Wilder, with promotion plans going drastically awry and the support of a large section of the Oxford United fanbase drifting away. Saturday's goalless draw at home to York was met with yet more calls for the manager's head and chants of 'Wilder out' after the game. But Wilder still has his supporters and Richard Hanna believes that he deserves our support.

So exactly what sort of a manager do we have on our hands? Is Chris Wilder the same as he was the day he walked in to the club as a relative unknown and quickly turned our fortunes around?

I believe he is all that and a whole lot more.

I use Twitter a lot and always try to be positive when tweeting about Oxford United. It’s a very instant format and it's easy to vent spleen when things are not going well. I don’t blame other fans for doing it and won’t make an apology for doing it myself sometimes.

The beauty of social media is that opinions and thoughts can be shared straight away and during live events it can really contribute to the event itself and for those involved. However the flip side I believe is that when things go bad the negative tweets start and texts to radio stations come in and it’s very easy to get that bandwagon rolling and others will quickly find themselves jumping on it. I have noticed that football phone-ins and Twitter is a lot more lively when Oxford lose than when Oxford win. I have decided that ‘no views is good views’. I always try to be positive however I have been accused of giving ‘blind support’ to our manager.

That led me to think about why I do actually give my support, blind or otherwise.

I wrote a piece back in May last year on a very similar subject and don’t want to repeat myself and so will concentrate on what Chris Wilder has achieved this season. It may look at best mediocre but if I could point out a few highlights maybe you will be able to be a bit more positive about the 12/13 season. Bearing in mind there is still 14 games to be played out.

Firstly, we won the opening three games of the season, a great start for Oxford United.

Before the season really got started we had beaten League One Bournemouth in League Cup setting up a tie versus Leeds United.

Chris Wilder has so far been nominated three times for Manager of the Month awards, he may not have been given award but to be considered by people in the games says a lot.

From the 20^th November Chris Wilder’s team embarked on a ten-game run of unbeaten matches, scoring 19 goals and ensuring all Oxford fans could have an enjoyable Christmas period (gold dust to long-suffering fans).

Along with the two League Cup games we also enjoyed a run of four JPT games going out on penalties to Southend. But amongst those four games was a 1-0 win against Swindon Town; Chris Wilder has a 100% record when managing Oxford v Swindon. The fact that they were in a higher division this time just made it sweeter.

This season will also be remembered as the season we got to the third round of the FA Cup for the first time in ten seasons.

Chris Wilder has this season been able to give full debuts to Max Crocombe and Tyrone Marsh – something they will never forget and I am sure they will be forever grateful.

Talking about injuries and suspensions may seem like offering excuses for our dips in form but I do feel it’s worth just noting the key injuries (missed two or more games) to the squad that we have had: Clarke, Duberry, Davis, Whing, Leven, Craddock and Smalley. There's seven from memory, but look at the names and think about the types of players they are and the experience they have and contributions they make when fully fit. Leading scorer James Constable has been in and out of form this year, with two red cards (inexplicably v Wimbledon) and has missed seven games through that process.

Another big thing that Wilder has had to deal with as a man and as a man-manager was the passing of Mitchell Cole. I would have no idea what kind of an impact that would have on a group of young, fit footballers but if anyone heard Wilder's interview post-Accrington in the FA Cup they will know it had a profound effect on him as a person and I think he felt himself as a father figure to those footballers and he praised them and supported them as best he could. It should not go unnoticed that that sad passing occurred during our ten-game unbeaten run.

Rest In Peace Mitchell.

And although we have struggled in late January and February there are a couple of signs that we are beginning to rediscover some form with three games unbeaten; indeed our last ten league game form reads Won 4 Drawn 2 Lost 4 – it's as good as it is bad.

So there is a considered opinion as to why I offer my whole support to Chris Wilder, I don’t think this season has been all doom and gloom I don’t think Chris Wilder is destroying this club, I don’t think he is clueless or devoid of ideas and until that changes I will continue to support him.

Follow @oufc_turkish

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MATCH REPORT: Oxford United 0-2 Bristol Rovers

Here's Jack Willows on a thoroughly miserable afternoon for Oxford:

It seems a long time now since Oxford won four on the bounce as they slumped to a disappointing defeat at the hands of Bristol Rovers leaving them without a win in their last four. A penalty – which even had to be retaken – and a controversial last minute goal from Eliot Richards was enough to seal a 2-0 win for the visitors as they continue their impressive run of form.

Oxford made three changes from the side that lost at Southend last weekend. Expectation weighed on Lewis Montrose’s home debut after an impressive performance at Bradford, which again, seems like a lifetime ago. Both Tony Capaldi and Liam Davis also came into the side.

United were on the back foot from the off, Rovers’ Danny Woodards forced McCormick into action inside the opening minute but the shot didn’t cause the United keeper any trouble.

The game was in desperate need of something to bring it to life, with neither side having a clear cut chance. Alfie Potter was called upon on the half-hour mark after Justin Richards picked up a knock.

Oxford started the brighter in the second half but ten minutes in, Jake Wright brought down Ryan Brunt and the referee pointed to the spot. Lee Brown stepped up and coolly slotted home past a stranded McCormick only to be told to retake it. Same place, same outcome and United found themselves 1-0 down.

Josh Parker came on for a tired looking Tony Capaldi and actually put in a good shift. Looking sharp and motivated, Parker chased down every chance he got – something which couldn’t be said for most of the United team yesterday.

United pushed for an equalizer, Constable had a fantastic chance to level after good work down the right from Parker only to see his shot fire into row Z, excuse the cliché.

Although United pushed for a goal they still looked un-inspired and it was with ten minutes to go that I left the scene. May I just point out there’s nothing I hate more than fans leaving early; it’s both disrespectful to the players and unnecessary. However, we weren’t going to get back into this game.

Chapman then saw a shot sail wide deep into stoppage time as that looked to be that. Rovers were then awarded a free-kick which they took quickly and found Richards who sealed the victory and left 1,900 fans from Bristol buoyant.

Now for a rant: On the subject of the attendance, 7600 fans were at the Kassam yesterday and quite frankly it could have been 1000. We were silent for a majority of the game and what’s worse; we were silent when our boys needed our backing. The attendances this season have been dreadful. And to fans who have decided to ‘stay away’ – what are you trying to achieve?

The performance was the second worst I have in recent memory (The worst being a home defeat against Morcambe last season which sparked the beginning of a dismal run of form and ultimately ruined our promotion hopes). BBC Oxford claimed that ‘the desire was there’ – a statement though, I couldn’t disagree more with. We looked tired from the off and never got going. Yes, we can blame the pitch – that’s the easy option, but there’s nothing we can do about it!

In terms of the players yesterday, the back five did well – excluding the occasional confusion. Wright and Raynes looked comfortable and Davis and Batt posed a threat down the flanks; further forward though the same cannot be said. Montrose was a passenger, unrecognizable from the combative midfielder that we saw at Bradford. Chapman was average, trying to dictate the play and ultimately do Leven’s job. Richards looked un-interested to be quite honest in the opening stages, maybe because he wasn’t fully fit. Tony Capaldi, please excuse me, but I can’t see what he brings to the side – I’d much rather see us give some of the youth players a run out. Constable was isolated and hence it’s understandable that he wasn’t alert when a chance did finally come his way.

To conclude, a bitterly cold and bleak Saturday afternoon made worse by a dismal and pitiful performance. The worry now is that United could find themselves 17^th come Tuesday night and even lower come the weekend. We’re hitting a slump head on at the worst possible time of the season and something needs to change and bring the confidence back.

Excuse the aggressive report but something is desperately wrong at the club, and I can’t see how much longer things can go on like this. 

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