MALCOLM Shotton believes he can ride out the storm after the first real attack on him by Oxford United fans.

And he insists his struggling team are not that far away from being successful.

After Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Brentford, which left the U's with just one win in eight league games, United supporters shouted their anger - and directed much of it at the manager.

And Shotton says: "It hurt me hearing what they had to say, but I can understand it with the way our results have been. The fans pay their money, they're entitled to say what they want. But I'm big enough to take that as well.

"Their loyalty is to the football club, not to the manager or any individual player, and they want the club to be winning."

With his sergeant-major approach which shook up and motivated the players, Shotton was an instant success when he took over at the Manor Ground around 20 months ago.

But relegation from Division 1 last season has been followed by a poor start to this campaign.

Supporters are starting to turn against the man they worshipped when he captained the club to Milk Cup glory in 1986, criticising what they claim are tactical blunders and, on occasions, simply selecting the wrong personnel.

Against that, Shotton has been given no money, has been hit hard by injuries and has to operate constantly in an atmosphere of deep uncertainty.

"The fans are a massive factor. They vented their frustrations last time but they've got to make sure they give the lads the best possible chance of winning they can by getting behind them."

Many fans will be expecting at least a point tonight at promoted Scunthorpe who, like Oxford, have taken time to adjust to the second division.

Both teams are expected to be unchanged, with Shotton probably resisting the temptation to start with Ben Abbey.

Scunthorpe have Frenchman Lionel Perez, on loan from Newcastle, in goal, and the exciting Cameroon striker Guy Ipoua lining up in attack with Clint Marcelle, on loan from Shotton's old club Barnsley.

OXFORD United are reducing ticket prices by £2 across the board for their FA Cup first-round tie against Morecambe on October 30. Adult terrace prices will be £10 for non-members on matchday, £8.50 for members in advance with adult seats costing £13 on the day, £11.50 in advance.

However, Wycombe Wanderers are freezing prices for their tie against Oxford City at Adams Park.

Story date: Tuesday 19 October

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.