With Oxford United enjoying warm-weather training in Spain, the start of the season is fast approaching. This week, the EFL have released the upcoming fixtures for next season while Burnley are closing in on a U’s defender. Also, the club made their first addition of the transfer window with the return of a former loanee.
First day of training in Marbella saw plenty of hard work in the morning sun ☀️
Great to see the lads back in action. 💪
🟡🔵 #OUFC | #COYY pic.twitter.com/sIcTqLzdL9
— Oxford United FC (@OUFCOfficial) June 24, 2022
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Fixtures Announced, Defender Departure Edges Closer But Ciaron Brown Returns
Papa John’s Trophy Draw
On Monday, the draw was made for this season’s Papa John’s Trophy group stage. The U’s have been paired in Southern Group G with League Two sides Leyton Orient and Sutton United, while Chelsea U21s joined the group when the draw was concluded on Thursday.
Oxford have ten wins and 11 defeats against the O’s, including a 3-2 loss on the final day of the 2005/06 season which condemned them to relegation into the Conference League. The U’s have never faced Sutton before but have faced Chelsea in this competition before on more than one occasion.
League One Fixtures Confirmed
Oxford United kick off the new League One season with a trip to recently relegated Derby County on July 30.
The U’s follow that with the first home game coming against Cambridge United before a trip to Bristol Rovers.
Oxford travel to Ipswich Town on Boxing day and welcome Exeter City in the first game of 2023. The U’s welcome Sheffield Wednesday on Good Friday and travel to Port Vale on Easter Monday before ending the season at home against Accrington Stanley.
U’s Face Swans in Carabao Cup
Oxford have been drawn at home against Championship side Swansea City in the first round of this season’s Carabao Cup.
The two teams last met in 2016 when Michael Appleton’s U’s knocked the then Premier League side out of the FA Cup with a 3-2 win, which also took place at Grenoble Road.
The match is scheduled to be played in the week commencing August 8.
Transfer Fee Agreed for Oxford United Defender
Oxford United have agreed a £1.6 million deal with Burnley for defender Luke McNally, according to Football Insider.
The 22-year-old, who has two years remaining on his current deal at Grenoble Road, has attracted plenty of interest following a breakthrough season in the Football League.
This season, the centre-back scored four times from 35 appearances and become a key part of Karl Robinson’s side following the departure of Jordan Thorniley in January.
It was reported last week that “three bids” had been turned down by the U’s but it appears that the Clarets have finally met the valuation of the League One side.
✍️ 𝐇𝐄'𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊!
Oxford United are delighted to welcome back Ciaron Brown who has joined the U’s on a two-year deal. 😍
— Oxford United FC (@OUFCOfficial) June 26, 2022
Former Loanee Signs Two-Year Deal
With McNally edging closer to an exit, Oxford have boosted their defensive options with the addition of former loanee Ciaron Brown following his release from Cardiff City.
Signed on January transfer deadline day, the 24-year-old scored once in 13 appearances for the U’s and put in a string of solid performances.
He was awarded April’s Player of the Month after picking up two man-of-the-match awards and by the end of the campaign, the centre-back had dislodged Steve Seddon as Karl Robinson’s first-choice left-back.
The left-sided defender, who has joined the U’s on a two year deal, said: “It doesn’t feel like I am signing, it’s more like just reporting back for pre-season because I felt part of the club straight away when I came on loan.
“I bought into what the club is all about and how the team like to play and I loved my time here; the fans were excellent and I’m looking forward to playing my part in a successful season.”
Oxford boss Karl Robinson added: “He is a full international, an excellent defender who can play in a couple of positions, his long throw gives us an extra option and most of all he is a good player with a fantastic attitude who we believe is going to get better and better.
“He settled in well last season and we’re really pleased that he is back with us.”
