Wilcox remains up for the fight with Minstermen

AS the problems and key absentees for York City continue to mount, a defiant Russ Wilcox insists: “We are not feeling sorry for ourselves.”
RUSS WILCOX: Injuries and suspensions are proving costly  for his York City side.RUSS WILCOX: Injuries and suspensions are proving costly  for his York City side.
RUSS WILCOX: Injuries and suspensions are proving costly for his York City side.

The Minstermen slipped to a fifth defeat of the season at home to Oxford United and to within two points of the bottom two.

Wilcox faced a chant of ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ from a disillusioned section of fans in the wake of Oxford’s fortuitous winner but the City chief insists his focus is turning things round.

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“We are not feeling sorry for ourselves,” said the 51-year-old. “We are 10 games in, 36 games to go and it is a long season.

“As we see every season, you can win a couple and lose a couple in this league. We brush ourselves down and go again on Saturday.

“I am not one to throw in the towel. I am a fighter so I am stood next to the boys and ready for the fight.”

Wilcox added: “Fans do and say whatever they want to say. I can’t control the fans. All I can control is how I lead the team and the staff. The fans do or decide to do what they want to do.

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“Everyone would like a bit more understanding but the modern football game is there for all to see. Look at Brentford, who made changes by taking (Mark) Warburton out and putting someone else in with a new philosophy and big ideas but nine games in he (Marinus Dijkhuizen) goes.

“That is how football is. As a manager, you have to stay strong in your beliefs and strong with the staff and players. Attitude reflects leadership and I am the leader of York City and I am up for the fight.”

After back-to-back defeats against Notts County and Oxford United, York will be looking to bounce back this weekend at home to Cambridge United.

Their cause will not be helped by Tuesday’s loss bringing yet another absentee in the form of ever-present Dave Winfield, who collected his fifth yellow card and must serve a one-game ban.

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Vadaine Oliver is also still banned following his recent red card, while injured trio Luke Summerfield, Michael Coulson and Jake Hyde are not expected to be available.

Wilcox said: “We are in a difficult period. We are missing Summerfield, Oliver, Coulson and Hyde. You put those four players into our team and that makes us a hell of a lot stronger.”