MALCOLM Shotton emerged from his first real crisis in football management by praising the way Oxford United's fans have reacted.

Three defeats on the trot and a potentially costly exit from the Worthington Cup add up to the worst week Shotton has experienced since he became lord of the Manor last January.

And although he has been quick to blast his Oxford United players after below-par performances, Shotton is now trying to lift them for the important Bank Holiday weekend ahead.

Despite speculation about bids from both West Brom and Southampton to tempt Oxford to part with Joey Beauchamp, Shotton says he has not had any offers for any of his players.

"I really don't know where these come from," he said. "Nobody's been in touch."

Neither Beauchamp nor Simon Weatherstone was able to train yesterday after turning their ankles in recent days.

Last week's home defeat by Luton brought boos around the ground for the first time since Shotton took charge, but he is looking for the fans to help lift the team to a first league win of the season against Grimsby at the Manor this Saturday.

"They had every right to boo last week," he said. "To be fair, the supporters have been excellent, as they were when we had an evening with the fans asking questions to the new signings last Thursday. "It was the same in the second half at Crystal Palace, when they were tremendous. They could see that the lads were trying to do the right things.

"Obviously, the players have been suffering a bit from a lack of confidence but they had to get on with it. The chat we had after Saturday's game was very encouraging to me, and so was training on Monday.

"I was pleased with the second half at Palace. We went about it in the right way and showed signs of becoming the way we were when we were successful last season.

"We are missing Kevin Francis, there's no doubt about it. I have one or two irons in the fire, but nothing's happening yet."

Blood tests have shown that Francis's knee is improving.

"The results of his test last week have come through clear so it looks like the infection is out of his system," said Shotton.

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