OXFORD United manager Malcolm Shotton is considering his position in the wake of the cash crisis at the Manor Ground.

The beleaguered boss, who saw his side lose 2-0 at Watford on Saturday and drop to second from bottom in Division 1, seemed crest-fallen by recent events.

He and other non-playing staff at United have not been paid their October wages and although managing director Keith Cox said after Friday's crunch board meeting that he expected them to be paid "within days rather than weeks", Shotton was clearly unhappy with the situation.

"I spoke to Keith last night," he said following the game, "and that's not what he said to me. From what I gather, they're hoping to make some payment, but it won't be the full amount."

Asked what he felt about this, United's manager replied: "Well, my wife isn't very happy about it.

"You can go on for as long as you can but there's a limit."

Then questioned whether he had in his own mind a time limit, Shotton responded: "I'm contemplating it."

Appointed manager last January in succession to Denis Smith and Malcolm Crosby, Shotton enjoyed an instant success last season by lifting United from the relegation places to 12th.

But little could have prepared him for the events of this season with his side ravaged by injuries to key players, the continual uncertainty over the club's new stadium and its future, and then wages not being paid. His wife Treda has remained at their home near Barnsley and he has rented a flat near Oxford.

Had he remained at Barnsley, where he was reserve team manager, he would almost certainly have been in the frame for the Oakwell post after Danny Wilson moved to nearby Sheffield Wednesday.

If he were to decide he's had enough, that would be the last straw for United fans who are still backing him but who, judging by the many letters the Oxford Mail have received, have been appalled by the way the club has been run.

Shotton said the need to sell a player now appears so vital that he may well send a circular to the other 91 clubs.

"The trouble is, we're down to the bare bones as it is. But it may well have to be done, it's that desperate."

Shotton added: "The fans, once again, were magnificent."

But that was about the only crumb of comfort for him as United's run now stretches to just two points from the last 21.

UNITED played Saturday's game in Watford's blue away kit after forgetting to pack their second all-white strip and finding their yellow clashed.

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