Wilder's comments came in the heat of the moment after losing to Northwich

Oxford United manager Chris Wilder has apologised for calling the Conference a "poxy league" on Sunday, claiming his comments were taken out of context.

United failed to reach the play-offs because of a five-point deduction, but fans of rivals clubs saw the comments as a slur on teams in the division.

Wilder told the club's website: "I didn't mean any disrespect to anyone.

"I was just feeling the effects of not making the play-offs despite, in our eyes, having 82 points."

He added: "That was hard to take and I apologise to anyone who has taken what I said the wrong way.

"I meant no disrespect to players, management or supporters at member clubs.

"This league is as strong as it could get at the moment and everyone needs to keep up with how it's developing."

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