Chris Wilder is determined to get the best out of his Oxford United squad – and admits he was delighted nobody was interested in any of his players on transfer deadline day.

The U’s manager said he was surprised by the lack of phone calls, but overjoyed that he could continue to develop his side.

Although they lost 2-1 at Southend, United have been in fine form of late.

But rumours were rife that leading scorer James Constable was wanted by arch rivals Swindon following the departure of striker Charlie Austin.

However, this seemed more wishful thinking from Swindon fans than anything else.

“I didn’t have any phone calls for any of my players, which is a surprise,” Wilder said.

“I think we’ve got a lot of good players here.

“But I’m not disappointed, if I’m honest, because I want to keep this group together.

“You can see that with the way the team’s playing, we’re developing as a decent side.

“We’ve not achieved anything yet, but I think people enjoy watching us play – we play in the right way, which how I want us to.”

Deadline day saw United striker Matt Green join Cheltenham Town, on loan for the rest of the season, with Simon Hackney arriving from Colchester at the same time.

Winger Hackney made an instant impression when coming off the bench at Roots Hall, with a couple of pacy runs down the left, and one excellent cross, which might easily have brought an equalising goal for Alfie Potter.

But overall it was a disappointing performance from the U’s, who had Damian Batt harshly sent off.

“When the sending-off occured, it was always going to be an uphill task for us,” Wilder reflected afterwards.