Part Four of our intriguing question and answer session with Chris Wilder in which he answers questions posted on the official message boards:
daddymoos
When signing a player, who actually does the deal? What part do you play or do you write down the names and the execs above do it? Also from all of your managerial work, which is the best player you have bought/unearthed and why?
"We have a discussion and identify the players we want. Then we have a discussion on his position, his CV, his position and what he is worth. We will have a value for that player.
"In terms of the best player I have helped there were a lot of loans at Halifax who went back and did well for their clubs. Neil Trotman moved for £650,00 from Oldham, and there have been a lot of decent players. Some have flopped as well! Dave Carney was released at Everton and came to Halifax and we didn't pursue, and then the next minute he was playing for Australia in the World Cup and went to Sheffield United and was being linked with Bayern Munich! We had a New Zealand lad who played and didn't do great but left us, went home and then came back two months later and scored two against Wales in a full international! People pull up the ones you don't get!
"But I think player identification is a massive part of it. Managers live or die by their signings and you have to make more right ones than wrong ones. Whether they are 21 or 31 I want athletic players with the right attitude who want to come here and achieve, not come and see their career out or just get through another year."
mrboots
Do you have a clear idea of who you want stay and who you want to go at the end of the season ? ... any clue as to how many you would get rid of ?
"I have a pretty good idea where we are going with it. There are a few we have already made decisions on and it's just a personal thing that they don't fit in with what you want. It doesn't mean they are no use to anyone else.There are still some we are undecided about so it's an important part of the season for them. They still have a chance to earn a new contract.
"To be fair it's not just lads whose contracts end in the summer who are giving it their all. Murray and Foster are here next year and are giving it everything. Whether you have a one year or two year deal now is the time to produce."
Do you think our failings this season have been down to lack of mental attitude or just lack of ability ?
"The best players in the world play week in week out. In this league you have to have that mental strength. At this level you get players who have played in the Conference for a few years and know what it's about, but they have to handle playing at Oxford United. There are others who can handle playing at Oxford United but can't handle playing at Ebbsfleet or Salisbury. I have to get that balance right.
"But to win the league you have to be mentally strong and tick a lot of boxes. As a team you've got to be organised, disciplined, talented and able to handle tough times as well as be confident when good times come along. There might be players who lack a touch of ability but make up for it in other areas but playing for this club they have to play in front of 5,000 supporters every other week and it's not always the easiest thing to do. When it's going well there are expectations and when it isn't going well you have got to be mentally strong so it isn't that easy."
Were you shocked with the "Playboy" attitude of some of the players when you took over and do you think there are still players here that earn more than they are worth ?
"Someone once said to me that 'the gardener always sets the temperature of the greenhouse'. I set the temperature and don't want the players to be arrogant or big time. I want them to be confident but I think they know that I am the manager and if things need to be said then they will be. Playboy attitude? Not really. I am a stickler for how we train, how we present ourselves and how we go about our business. I am quite tight on the club itself being well presented so we did a bit on that."
Do you have a goal with regards how far you think you can take Oxford ?And do you think that the Championship is a realistic goal for a club like Oxford (I do)
"Six years ago who would have said Doncaster would be in the Championship? I know people there, it's close to where I live and I think Oxford is a bigger club so realistically why not? There are a lot of things that determine that but the basics are here to do it. I think you can do it. Ten years ago look where Reading were. No disrespect to our own club but we're never going to be a Wolves , West Brom or Sheffield United pulling in 30,000 people but can we be a Doncaster, Burnley or Reading? We used to beat those clubs regularly. Look at Milton Keynes or Peterborough and they are looking to get into the Championship now."
If you buy a home in the Old Marston area, can we discuss tactics over a few beers at my local on Friday nights ?
"I'll go and have a beer with him on the Friday after the play-off final if we win."
What are your thoughts on playing a side with 2 out and out wingers ? (I have been crying out for this for years) !!
"We have done and we can mix it up as well. Nelthorpe, Haldane and Yemi are wingers.."
Can I be the tea boy /goffa, I hate my new contract at work at the moment ?
"No"
Ps...
Do you think Danny Wilson will take the Scummers down ?? (thank god he didn't come here) !!
"I know Danny. My mum had a pub in Chesterfield and he used to go there so I know him and like him personally but I think the right answer from an Oxford United supporter's view is 'hopefully'!"
A big thank you to Chris for taking an hour out of his busy schedule to answer all of these questions, and of course to the fans for their questions. Come and join the banter in the official Fans Forum
