WHEN Chris Wilder took over as Oxford United manager in December 2008, the U’s were 13th in the Conference.

But the former Halifax man rejuvenated the club.

A stirring first season – despite a five-point deduction – saw United win 16 of their final 22 games to just miss out on a place in the play-offs.

Continually rebuilding the squad, United made a flying start to the following campaign and topped the table for most of the first half of the season.

But a mid-season slump saw Stevenage take the title and the U’s forced to accept a place in the play-offs.

However, Wilder led the U’s to a 3-1 win over York City at Wembley to restore their Football League place.

Their first season back in league Two saw United consolidate their position, ending 12th.

Former Chelsea defender Michael Duberry was the big name signing brought in for the following campaign as the U’s looked to win promotion.

Wilder masterminded a double over arch rivals Swindon, but with a play-off place seemingly beckoning ahead of the final month of the season, the U’s faded badly – not helped by a series of crucial injuries – and missed out on a top-seven finish.

Chairman Kelvin Thomas left, replaced by owned Ian Lenagan, who made it clear that a play-off place was the minimum requirement for this season.

Victory in their first three games raised expectations, but despite another win against Swindon, this time in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, they plummeted down the table following six straight defeats.

An horrific injury list did little to help Wilder’s position, with many fans calling for the manager to go. But Lenagan refused to bow to the pressure.

A four-game winning run at the start of 2013 restored belief, but another patchy run of form saw a play-off place slip away.

Their fate was finally sealed last week when Bradford’s win over Burton ensured United would face another season in League Two.