KELVIN Thomas says that the club will not be setting boss Chris Wilder any ‘unrealistic expectations’ for next season, despite handing him an increased budget.

Oxford United’s chairman says that giving his manager more money is necessary to try and build a squad capable of gaining promotion from npower League Two.

But Thomas was keen to make clear that while people will inevitably raise their levels of expectation, the club will take a measured approach.

The U’s are 20-1 to win League Two next season, with 11 teams ahead of them in the betting.

United can look forward to some bumper home gates with Swindon and Bristol Rovers dropping into the division, but some of this extra income is offset by a drop in TV revenues.

“As we have seen this year, our fans will respond if the team are playing good football and they want to be entertained as well as win,” he said.

“I sat down with Chris and we talked about what he feels is needed to be challenging next year.

“Then I sat down with (owner) Ian (Lenagan) and the board and agreed we were happy to show this commitment, especially as our revenue had increased.

“We are lucky to have an owner who is not looking to get his money out of the football club, and will allow the playing budget to be increased in a sustainable fashion.

“Clubs have to be very careful, more so now than ever. With TV revenue dropping by 26 per cent in 2012-13, decisions made now have to be the right ones, not just for the upcoming season, but the bigger picture.

“An increased budget brings a different level of expectation, which we have to be very careful to manage, but as we have always said this gets taken care of by winning football matches.

“We will not get carried away and there will not be any unrealistic expectations set.

“We have great stability here at the football club and this will be protected.

“We will just go about our business as we always do and look forward to an exciting season.

“Chris has done a fantastic job since coming here in December 2008, and we as a club will ensure that he has the resources to continue that good work.”