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Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: League Win and Contract Update

Oxford United

Despite falling out of the top six following recent results, Oxford United bounced back with a 3-2 victory over Fleetwood Town on Good Friday.

Elsewhere, manager Karl Robinson revealed that the club have an option to extend the contract of one of their key players.

Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Vital Win Over Fleetwood Town and Contract Update

Oxford United Have the Option to Extend Contract to Key Midfielder

On Tuesday, U’s boss Karl Robinson confirmed that the club have an option to extend James Henry’s contract by an additional 12 months.

The 32-year-old is out of contract at the end of June but has been a key figure for the U’s since his arrival in 2017, having played over 200 games and scored 50 goals.

However, injuries have taken their toll this season with Henry managing just six substitute appearances since mid-December.

Speaking to the Oxford Mail, Robinson said: “We’ve got an option in his contract. We’ll be having conversations with Jamo.

“He’s had a difficult few months and has found it difficult himself.

“John Mousinho and James Henry have probably been the two senior players since I walked in the building that have been constants.

“The respect I have for them is immense, as a manager, you should never forget that.

“Even when they’re injured or get to a certain stage, they’ve almost been like the glue when things haven’t been great.”

The club also have an option to extend the contract of Sam Winnall, while Mark Sykes, Billy Bodin, Sam Baldock, Jamie Hanson and Alex Gorrin are also in the final three months of their deals.

Robinson has previously mentioned that he would like to offer fresh terms for the latter, who has missed most of the season through injury, while Sykes has also commented on his contract status in recent months.

The U’s are still pushing for the playoffs and Robinson has said that these conversations have remained internal but have also taken a back seat with matters on the field at an important stage.

He added: “There’s what you call quiet discussions.

“I and the ownership have made it very clear that we’d like to keep every player we possibly can that’s around the building and playing.

“People talk about Sykesy, Elliott, Herbie, Sam Baldock and Bodes, I’d like them all here next year if the price is right.

“I know if I can keep this team together and add two, three or four players, I’ve not had that opportunity before.

“We can then rotate in certain areas, people can move on and little things can happen.”

Important Win Over Fleetwood

Oxford picked up their first-ever win in the Football League away at Fleetwood Town to keep their playoff hopes alive, but it was a nervy afternoon despite a dominant start.

Nathan Holland, who was making his 50th appearance for the club, netted inside two minutes and turned provider for Cameron Brannagan five minutes later.

Brannagan then laid on an assist for Billy Bodin to put the U’s three goals up after just 16 minutes in Lancashire.

However, Fleetwood reduced the deficit before the break from the penalty spot and added a second in the second half after a mix up in the U’s defence.

The Cod Army could have completed the comeback but Ciaron Brown cleared an effort off the line as Oxford held on for a vital three points.

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