With Oxford United seeing their match against Fleetwood Town postponed due to international call-ups, this is a fairly brief weekly round-up. However, there is still news.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: International Fixtures Take Centre Stage
It was an early start for #oufc as they began the day with a photo shoot at Blenheim Palace.https://t.co/noo9eccdWl pic.twitter.com/YxWGkkzoYI
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) September 20, 2022
Return for Former Backroom Staff
Chris Short has returned to the club for a second spell in Oxford’s sports science department.
The 52-year-old, who left to join Middlesbrough at the end of the 2020/21 season, will work with the club on a short-term basis, initially until Christmas.
Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “I left for family reasons initially and then worked at Middlesbrough for a while but I have always been in touch with everyone at Oxford and obviously with my brother (Craig) still involved I had been back to watch a few times as well.
“The club has a really strong set-up in terms of sports science with Chris Neville leading that side of things and Harry Routledge working day to day with the players.
“I’m really looking forward to working with them both and with the whole coaching team. I will be around the club in the week but will leave matchdays to others, but hopefully, I add to the mix and can contribute in a positive way.
“I like the way there is a ‘one club’ philosophy and I have been really enjoying working with the women’s team. They are off to a great start and long may that continue.
“It’s a great club with some wonderful people behind the scenes and I have been made to feel welcome again straight away.”
Jodi Jones Makes Malta Debut
Summer signing Jodi Jones made his international debut as Malta lost 2-1 at Estonia in their Nations League clash.
The 24-year-old played the first 45 minutes in Tallinn, despite completing just six minutes of League One football for the U’s this season.
Brown Unused Substitute for Northern Ireland
Elsewhere, Oxford defender Ciaron Brown failed to make an appearance as Northern Ireland beat Kosovo in their Nations League match.
The summer signing, who started the last three international fixtures, saw his side win 2-1 at Windsor Park with former U’s winger Gavin Whyte netting a 93rd-minute winner.
