Rotherham bother 'em

United went down to their eighth successive away League defeat (all seven for this season), 3-1 at Millmoor yesterday. United's goal was a scorching Derek Lilley volley to bring the U's back into the game when they were already 2-0 down following goals from Paul Warne and Kevin Watson. Warne scored again to give Rotherham a flattering scoreline. Jon Shepheard replaced the injured Lee Jarman in defence and Matt Murphy came in for Paul Tait in midfield. Joey Beauchamp was relegated to the bench with Simon Weatherstone getting a rare start, although Beauchamp did come on for Dean Whitehead with about ten minutes left. In the final few minutes Sam Ricketts replaced Neil McGowan at left wingback. Weatherstone was the only United player to be booked by referee John Brandwood. There were 3,983 in attendance. A match report can be found in the usual place.

United are now six points adrift at the bottom, with a goal difference of -21. Luton beat Brentford 3-1 at Kenilworth Road, Oldham went down 2-1 at Northampton, swindon lost 3-1 at home to Bristol Rovers, Port Vale lost 1-0 at United's next opponents: Wigan, and Bournemouth astonishingly won 5-2 at Bury.

Wright's alright, but will it be him?

Although the Sunday People claims that Mark Wright won't leave Southport to come to Oxford because United haven't offered him enough in wages, Rage Online readers unequivocably prefer Wright to any other likely managerial candidate, according to the results of the latest poll. A huge 31% of voters chose Wright as their favoured new U's boss, with current incumbent Mike Ford coming joint second alongside the former Millwall duo of Keith Stevens and Alan MacLeary. Wright has also been linked with a move to Derby, to take over from Jim Smith who will become Director of Football. Meanwhile former United player and coach Steve MacLaren has been chosen to assist Peter Taylor as interim England boss until a longer-term fall guy can be found.