CRAIG Davies has spoken of his Oxford United nightmare - and slammed manager Brian Talbot for forcing him out of the club.

Davies joined Italian side Verona last week after deciding that he could not take any more of life at the Kassam Stadium.

The 20-year-old claims that he was singled out by Talbot, and told to submit a transfer request so that he could leave the club.

"I was pushed out of Oxford, and was given no choice but to the leave the club," he said.

"Brian Talbot told me to write a transfer request and he forced my hand. I didn't want to go when I did, but he made me."

However, Talbot resp- onded by saying he didn't deal with the transfer request.

"Craig was represented by a woman and it was dealt with by the chairman (Firoz Kassam) and Mick Brown (secretary)," Talbot said.

"I have to be honest, I was a bit surprised when I heard he was going to Italy. It's not something I expected."

Davies, though, felt he was not treated well by the U's boss.

"I heard at the fans' forum that Talbot said about me: 'Let's see where Craig Davies is in five years time'.

"Well, my answer to that is I would like to see where HE is in six months' time, because it won't be at Oxford.

"I have a four-year contract at a big club in Italy, and intend to use that time to become a better player.

"He won't turn things around at Oxford because since the money ran out at Rushden, he has achieved nothing."