I knew what was on the cards, says Wilder

7:53pm Tuesday 13th January 2009

Comments (1)   Have your say »

Oxford United manager Chris Wilder said he was informed about the potential points deduction when he was interviewed for the post – and it had absolutely no bearing on his decision of whether to accept the job.

An 11-points deduction, which had looked a strong possibility because that was how many the U's gained while Eddie Hutchinson was on the pitch for them as an unregistered player, would have wiped out all hopes of reaching the play-offs this season.

Indeed, it would have immediately plunged them into a battle against relegation.

But Wilder, who was appointed just before Christmas, said chairman Kelvin Thomas warned him about the problem straight away.

"The chairman's been up front with me all along,"said the former Halifax Town boss.

"It has been dealt with very professionally by the football club after the initial incident came to light.

"The chairman has been very distressed and upset by it all, but he's done his best to keep it down to five (points), and been very professional in the way he's gone about it all."

And Wilder says there was no chance that the threat of a points deduction – even one of 11 points –would have led to him turning down the Oxford United manager's position.

"It never, ever crossed my mind.

"This is not a short-term thing from my point of view. “I'm here for the long push in terms of being the manager at this football club.

"And there are a lot of things that need addressing for the long-term.

“One is people's thinking.

"There needs to be a big change of mentality around the club, which will need time.

“It's difficult because supporters have heard that all before.

"But there does need to be some patience.

“I'm trying to build something here that is going to last."

One subject the former Sheffield United full back has spoken about is how players too often get into a comfort zone at Oxford, because they are treated so well.

“The hunger, drive and edge that is needed to keep winning football matches can dissipate when that happens,” added the Yorkshireman.

Although it did not happen in time for last night's FA Trophy tie against York, Wilder hopes to have another new face in for Saturday's league game at home to Altrincham.