Oxford United boss Liam Manning on promotion contenders tag

Last season, the U’s fought against relegation and were only secure of their Sky Bet League One status after the penultimate game, barring a ridiculous goal swing at home to Accrington Stanley on the final day.

This time round, United sit second in the third tier and four points behind early leaders Portsmouth.

A run of five successive league wins came to an end with the draw at home to Blackpool, a result backed up with by defeat away at Wigan Athletic in midweek.

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Asked whether he is okay with the club being labelled as promotion contenders, Manning called for a sprinkling of realism when it comes to United’s results this season.

He said: “People will say what people will say. I don’t have a choice because people will say it anyway, so what I think is a little bit irrelevant.

“I want people to dream big, I want players to dream big, and the dream’s okay but it’s then understanding the reality and what it looks like, and the reality of League One football.

“You’re not going to win every single game and you’re not going to play perfectly every single week.

“If you lose and it doesn’t go quite right, then as long as you can see the players have tried everything and given everything, fans get it.”

Manning added: “Of course you want the fans to be excited, you want them to be full of enthusiasm and optimism, and go on the rollercoaster that is football.

“It’s difficult with where the world’s at now, there’s such a sense of entitlement and everyone wants instant with everything in the world in general.

“That lack of patience we have to deal with now, sometimes we do have to drop in reminders where the club was at the back end of last season and where we’re at now.”

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Despite some muted criticism of the side for the results against Blackpool and Wigan, Manning said it’s an exciting time for the club and praised the U’s fanbase for its backing so far.

“What we’re trying to create is a culture and club where it’s really integrated in the community and it’s relatable,” he said.

“Immersing myself in the county and the culture is really important. It’s an exciting time for the club.

“I understand people want things instantly, but when I look at the transition that we’ve made at the club, with the playing squad, the culture, the processes, and the staff, we’re at the very start of what can be an extremely exciting journey.

“The fans have been great. Keep getting behind the lads and keep generating that noise and energy.”