THE depth of Oxford United's cash-flow problems was graphically illustrated today when manager Malcolm Shotton said the club couldn't even afford to sign two Dr Martens League players.

Shotton wanted to bolster his tiny squad before next Thursday's transfer deadline by offering short-term deals to two of the three triallists who looked lively in United Reserves' 2-0 win over Barnet this week.

The United boss was impressed by right back Richard Barrett and central defender Mark Albrighton from Dr Martens League Premier Division Atherstone United, the club where Shotton began his playing career.

Although he did get one of the goals, Blyth Spartans striker Wayne Edgcumbe was considered to be the least promising of the three triallists. He is also not as young as the Atherstone pair, who are aged 20 and 22 respectively.

A frustrated Shotton said last night: "Unfortunately Atherstone want money for them and we can't do anything that involves any money. We can't spend a thing." Shotton's squad is now so small that, should they get three or four injuries, they will not have enough professionals to make up the three places on the bench.

He said: "We've been trying like mad to get a player on loan before the transfer deadline, but so far without success.

"We are only allowed one more loan player because Paul Gerrard's loan takes us through the deadline, but no clubs seem prepared to help us."

Meanwhile, Tony Wright has been recalled to Oxford after his brief trial at Swansea because of the chronic lack of outfield players currently available.

The U's had just 14 outfield players to choose from for today's key relegation game at Crewe. Said assistant boss Mark Harrison: "It is going to be a huge game for us.

"They are on their home ground so they will start favourites, but obviously we will go there with other ideas. They have seemed to have hit a little patch of form at the moment and we must make sure that they don't get into any rhythm."

Harrison added: "We have got 14 outfield players available for the match. This is not an ideal situation to be in with seven games to go.

"At any time in the season, you like to carry a squad of 22 or 23 - we have not been able to do this since the start of the season. "It continues to get tighter and tighter - we have two suspensions and a couple of injuries - but we have to get on with it and make do with what you have got."

"We've recalled Tony Wright, whose contract is up at the end of the season, and he is playing for a new contract.

"Tony went to Swansea for a couple of games so he could have a look at the other side of the fence. He has come back and told us that he was not too impressed with the standard of Division 3.

"He definitely wants to be an Oxford player which is great for the team and the club."

Story date: Saturday 20 March

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