CHRIS Wilder believes everyone at Oxford United handled the transfer speculation about James Constable with great credit.

The striker rejected the chance to speak with Swindon after United accepted a bid from their rivals 48 hours before Saturday’s game with Hereford.

Having turned down a potential move, Constable led the line and received a huge ovation from the U’s supporters.

Wilder is hoping for a quieter week – and said how proud he was of how United conducted themselves.

“I’d like to think so,” he said when asked if this week will be more stress-free.

“It’s been a pretty hectic week for everyone, but I think the club, the player and then the fans today have handled it in a very professional way.

“I’d like to think that the club have played a big part in him staying.

“Darren (Patterson) signed him, and he has kicked on in my time here.

“We have put a comprehensive statement out. I don’t want to go over old ground, but feel we have dealt with everything very professionally.”

Constable had a chance to win the game on Saturday, but could not get a good enough connection on a header in injury time.

“It was written for him, wasn’t it?” Wilder said. “He has put in a great performance and if he could have got a goal, it would have capped it off.”

United’s manager added: “Apart from putting the ball in the net, I was really pleased with how we played.

“I am disappointed with the goals we have conceded because they have both come from when we were attacking and against the run of play.

“I have walked in at half-time and gone into the office and I can’t believe it’s 1-1, and that’s before the second-half display when their goalkeeper has made a number of fine saves and we have missed some chances.

“It’s the hardest thing to do in football, put the ball in the back of the net, but we have to start doing that bit.”