Chris Wilder has apologised for his comments after Oxford United’s final game of the season – when he described the Conference as a ‘poxy league’.

The U’s boss says he regrets his comments, and explained that they were said in the heat of the moment.

He told the club’s official website: “I gave an interview straight after the game and in the heat of the moment.

“One comment in particular seems to have caught the headlines and I apologise for that.

“It was the wrong thing to say and I meant no disrespect.

“I would like to go on record and say that I have nothing but respect for the clubs, managers, players and people involved in this league and below.

“I got my first opportunity at Alfreton and I'm delighted to see them doing well under Wayne Bradley and Nicky Law.

“I know how much hard work and effort goes in at clubs across the Blue Square leagues.

“I would like to pass on my congratulations to Burton Albion who fully deserve their place in the Football League and I am sure will do very well.

“Chairman Ben Robinson has done a fine job, along with Nigel Clough and Roy McFarland.

“For me, the quality and standards at this level of football improve with every season.

“There are still issues, not just with what happened to us because I know a number of other clubs have had problems, but clubs continue to lift standards each season and the competition gets stronger and stronger “I didn't mean any disrespect to anyone on Sunday, I was just feeling the effects of not making the play-offs despite, in our eyes, having 82 points.

“That was hard to take and I apologise to anyone who has taken what I said the wrong way.”