This week’s Oxford United weekly round-up is surrounded by one of frustration for the U’s, both on and off the pitch.
The weekend match against Northampton Town was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch while the clubs’ transfer activity is yet to click with no new arrivals.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up is One of Frustration
Back to the Football for Oxford United
Oxford United were last in action on January 2 in a 5-1 win over bottom club Burton Albion. The U’s were due to face Doncaster Rovers in their next league game but the fixture was one of three postponed for the South Yorkshire club following an outbreak of COVID-19.
It meant that Oxford would go two weeks between league games with a visit to Northampton due to take place on Saturday, January 16.
However, with the Rovers game called off, Karl Robinson opted to field a relatively strong side on Tuesday, January 12 during their Football League Trophy match against Cambridge United.
The U’s won the game 1-0 thanks to a Rob Hall free-kick, but it was clear that lack of match fitness may have already started to creep in.
With no game on Saturday, Oxford will now have to wait a further 11 days between matches before a home fixture against Bristol Rovers.
Returning Oxford Players and One Departure
For some time now, Oxford United have been linked with former players making a return during the January transfer window. However, the U’s were dealt a double blow this week.
Former winger Gavin Whyte was rumoured to return but the 24-year-old has signed for League One rivals Hull City instead, joining on loan from Cardiff City.
The second blow came when last seasons right-back in Chris Cadden made a return to Scotland instead of the U’s, joining Hibernian. Cadden departed last January to join parent club Columbus Crew in the MLS but he has returned to Scotland in the hope of boosting his international opportunities.
With Robinson looking to bring in some fresh faces during this window, it meant a couple of players would have to leave as per the salary cap and squad limit. However, most would have been surprised that Sean Clare was first to depart.
The 24-year-old only joined in the summer but despite numerous poor showings at right-back, the player showed huge signs of improvement when playing further up the field. The move to bottom club Burton may have come as a surprise but he is likely to get more game time.
Round-Up of Other Transfer Links
With no incomings as of yet, there have been a few more rumours circulating. Reports have suggested that the U’s are one of many sides looking at Waterford right-back Tunmise Sobowale, while the Daily Record claim Oxford are set to battle with Rangers for the signature of Aberdeen winger Scott Wright.
Main Photo
