Oxford United manager Darren Patterson is ready to defy all those who think his days may be numbered by insisting he's a battler – and he's here for the long haul.

The U's boss was under intense pressure after poor early-season results, and following last week's embarrassing loss at Lewes, but the last two home games have brought six points, and provided rich entertainment, to suggest better times lie ahead.

With his side in the spotlight of the television cameras at Torquay, Patterson said he has always been under pressure to achieve, and that's not something that worries him.

"I've taken over from one of the successful managers in British football, so that was a nightmare from Day 1!" he said.

"No-one puts more pressure on me than myself. I've got no problem with pressure.

"There's a lot of scaremongers and trouble-makers out there, and scavengers, as I call them, who do it the wrong way. They all want my job!

"Someone said to me the other day, 'you'd better bring your tin hat', and I said 'well, I'd better bring gum shields and boxing gloves, the lot, because I aim to be here a long time, I'm a scrapper'.

"However, we've got to start winning football matches consistently and if we do that, the media don't ask me about my position and instead focus on how well we're playing, and the positive things about Oxford United, which is massive for us.

"I'm fully aware it's my responsibility to ensure that happens."

Injuries and suspensions have hit the U's hard in the first quarter of the season, and Patterson has always maintained that, if his main players are fit, he has a strong team.

"Jamie Guy trained all last week – that's the first time that's happened – and if we keep everyone fit, we've got half a chance," he said.

"There's a lot of spirit here, a lot of togetherness. We just need to keep people fit, that is the key – I keep saying it.

"We've now got to show that quality and level of performance, and show that away.

"We've now got to build on the Rushden win. With Torquay then Altrincham, we've got two very difficult away trips, and we need as many points as we can to start getting up this league."