Shake-up not the answer, says Oxford United boss

9:00am Tuesday 20th November 2012 in Sport

Sean Rigg, pictured scoring against Barnet in the FA Cup recently, is back for the League Two fixture Sean Rigg, pictured scoring against Barnet in the FA Cup recently, is back for the League Two fixture

There be no radical shake-up for Oxford United as they head for a crunch clash with Barnet (8pm) on Tuesday looking to halt a poor run of form.

The U’s have taken one point from a possible nine in the last fortnight and following a last-minute 2-1 defeat at Chesterfield on Saturday, they are closer to the relegation zone than the play-off places in npower League Two.

But while results have left a lot to be desired, there has been little obviously wrong with the performances.

United boss Chris Wilder believes there is a fine line separating his side from an upturn, so does not see a reason to make major alterations.

He said: “I don’t really think we need to take a wrecking ball to the team.

“I don’t look at my team and think they’re turning it in. I don’t look at them and think we’re a shambles and are all over the place.

“I think we’re playing decent football, we look organised and solid, but we’re getting punished for little errors and we’re not punishing teams when we’re on top.

“I don’t see anybody running over the top of us, but it’s important that in both boxes we’re a little bit better.”

United visited Underhill less than three weeks ago, when they ran out 2-0 winners in the FA Cup first round.

They would dearly love a repeat tonight, as another setback would only serve to increase the pressure on the squad – and Wilder in particular.

The U’s boss is aware of what is at stake.

He said: “I understand we will come in for criticism and there will be voices on forums, but we have to make sure that we believe what we’re doing is right.

“From an individual point of view, it’s not a good time for me.

“Am I a better manager than I was when I walked through the door here? Most certainly, but people will be saying other things. It’s up to me to keep calm and lead the boys.”

Sean Rigg will start after shaking off the virus which restricted him to a substitute appearance on Saturday, while Liam Davis (hamstring) will have a late fitness test.

Lee Cox is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season on Saturday, with Adam Chapman likely to deputise.

The main selection issue is over who partners James Constable up front, with Tom Craddock and Deane Smalley injured.

Alfie Potter got the nod on Saturday, but he could revert to his more familiar wide role, leaving Jon-Paul Pittman and Tyrone Marsh to battle it out for a starting place.

Edgar Davids is suspended for the home side, who are unbeaten in their last three league games at home.

Oxford Utd: from Clarke, Whing, Mullins, Wright, Capaldi, Potter, Cox, Leven, Rigg, Constable, Pittman, Marsh, Heslop, Forster-Caskey, Chapman, Davis, O’Brien, Raynes, Worley, Brown, Roberts.

Barnet: from Stack, Fuller, Pearce, Stephens, Brown, Kamdjo, Byrne, Lee, Nurse, Hyde, Holmes, Cowler, Fortune, Weston, Yiadom, Edgar, Lowe, John, Allen, Abdullah, Saville.

Comments(19)

Bigmanmo says...
9:58am Tue 20 Nov 12

There's only one place where a shake up is required .... in the dug-out. Now, not in January.

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GRB says...
10:12am Tue 20 Nov 12

I agree there's no need for a shake up, just a case of CW picking the right side. Something that hasn't happened often enough this season!

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BigAlBiker says...
12:01pm Tue 20 Nov 12

Football is a results game, we have not had the results, so shake up time is at christmas, P45 for CW.

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RADIOFAN says...
12:10pm Tue 20 Nov 12

There is a need for a shake up but the problem is Mr Wilder is that there is not anybody you can bring in to put into the team to improve things. The squad is not good enough. I have no doubt we will win tonight. I just hope we do not have to listen to the repeated dribble of it being a great performance and this is going to be the turning point in our season and all that humbug because whatever happens tonight has no bearing on the season whatsoever. Face it folks. There is more chance seeing Lord Lucan riding Shergar down

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RADIOFAN says...
12:18pm Tue 20 Nov 12

Sorry pressed the wrong button. I was going to finish by saying that there is more chance seeing Lord Lucan riding Shergar down Cornmarket street than Chris Wilder taking us to protion this season.

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oldun says...
1:37pm Tue 20 Nov 12

I predict that United will win their next two matches and will scrape into the top half after Saturday's win, Yep that will be no big deal - but it will be a start

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dave from witney says...
2:07pm Tue 20 Nov 12

He has held on longer than many imagined, a loss tonight and he has to be on his way surely. Maybe the unthinkable will happen and the team will gel and start producing consistent performances and results, something not seen since January this year. However I don't believe in Father Christmas, so reckon he will be on his way before the weekend.

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jbowling says...
2:28pm Tue 20 Nov 12

Chris - take a step back, be a man, be honest and admit it isn't working and its time to give someone else a go.

There is no shame in that - you will always have many fans here who appreciate what you have done.

For the good of the club mate.

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adlibber says...
3:51pm Tue 20 Nov 12

Take the plaudits for giving us our league status again Mr Wilder and this will always be remembered or at least it will until you take us back down. You've had your time and for awhile it worked but we are slipping into the shallow waters of relegation and you're having trouble swimming - I could go on with my water analogies but it's making me want to visit the toilet.

Sorry CW but I'm not returning to games until your gone or we're in a top 3 position with a game to go.

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OxRoxBox says...
4:04pm Tue 20 Nov 12

Come on Oxford let's win tonight - its a filthy night and hopefully the weather and pitch will be a great leveller. Craddock may well be out but that is balanced off by Edgar Davids also out lol . . . .

Lose tonight and that really is curtains and I am not talking the more pleasant beef variety!

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oldun says...
4:07pm Tue 20 Nov 12

adlibber wrote:
Take the plaudits for giving us our league status again Mr Wilder and this will always be remembered or at least it will until you take us back down. You've had your time and for awhile it worked but we are slipping into the shallow waters of relegation and you're having trouble swimming - I could go on with my water analogies but it's making me want to visit the toilet.

Sorry CW but I'm not returning to games until your gone or we're in a top 3 position with a game to go.
64 points from next 27 games should see you back at the matches. It could happen - eg win 20 draw 4 lose 3 or win 19 draw 7 lose 1 - easy

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CamView says...
4:12pm Tue 20 Nov 12

By my reckoning a team cannot make the play offs if it loses mor than fifteen games. We have already lost ten!
Its areay too late- we are not ointo turn it around tthe extent that we do not lose five more games.

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OxRoxBox says...
4:21pm Tue 20 Nov 12

A point per game or less come May will be relegation dog fight or relegation - it always is . . . and we have 20 points after 18 games. On this form we will get 51 points.

If we lose tonight and Saturday then that is 20 points after 20 games . . . certainly relegation form and definitely not play off form.

Curtains we hope not!


COYY ti

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Beau champ mummy says...
4:50pm Tue 20 Nov 12

Somebody needs a good shaking that's for sure

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AR Davis says...
6:33pm Tue 20 Nov 12

What a pile of drivel Crap Wilder speaks, on yer bike mate the damage has been done.

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Merekat1 says...
6:58pm Tue 20 Nov 12

Wilder is in complete denial and that is very worrying.

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oldun says...
10:03pm Tue 20 Nov 12

when we win on Sat we should be up to 16th . COYY

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OxRoxBox says...
11:06pm Tue 20 Nov 12

Keep the non beef curtains open we got a point against bottom of the Football League . . . Barnet
Well done you Yellows - promotion form! Well some of you may think that

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Doctor69 says...
1:20pm Wed 21 Nov 12

Shake up is needed, in the dugout. Wilder out.

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