Clarke's side were defeated by the in-form League One side on Saturday afternoon as former Wolves midfielder James Henry helped to book a place in the Third Round of the Emirates FA Cup and extending Oxford's unbeaten run to sixteen games.
The Mansfield-born gaffer, who has been under plenty of pressure as his team continues to languish near the foot of the table, wants the same time that has been afforded to United boss Karl Robinson, allowing him to make a success of his side.
Speaking via the Express & Star, Darrell said; "Robbo the manager has had a bit of time with the team, that’s what it takes, a bit of time to build things together. It’s even harder at a club like this by the way.
"We spend within our means, that’s not a dig that’s just a fact. Therefore you’re working on development players and making them better and then tweaking away in transfer windows.
"That’s why the club has had the success years ago. That’s what we’ve got to endeavour to keep working towards. Everyone’s grafting, the mindset of the players is decent and the effort and application is there for all to see. But there’s a hell of a lot of work to do."
41-year-ild Clarke went on to admit that he was somewhat frustrated as his side failed to make the most of the opportunities they created in the final third as goals continue to be something of a premium for those plying their trade in a Walsall shirt.
Darrell continued; "We created a lot of opportunities in the second half against Stevenage, it’s not like we’re not creating. Oxford was a different game, we didn’t create a lot to be honest. In the league I think we’re up in the top 10 for expected goals.
"What that tells you is that we’re creating chances but we’re not taking the opportunities. We have to keep working hard and make them better players. You have to look at the course of the season, it’s ten clean sheets in all competitions.
"We’re trying to build a solid base here. I’m just frustrated as we don’t make enough of our key moments in games. Against Oxford there were going to be very limited opportunities but in the league it’s been on a regular basis. We have to keep working hard with the players that are giving me everything."