Three points against a promotion hopeful, a defender leaving to take a role in management and some big news about the potential new stadium for Oxford United. There has been plenty to cover in this weekly round-up:
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Vital Three Points, Backroom Departure and Stadium News
𝟮𝟰/𝟬𝟭/𝟮𝟯
Support our stadium 💛 pic.twitter.com/ixMVqh8prh
— Oxford United FC (@OUFCOfficial) January 20, 2023
Stadium Decision to Go Ahead On January 24
Next week, the future of Oxford United could hang in the balance as the club hope for the development of plans to build a new stadium.
Ahead of the meeting on January 24, the club received good news with confirmation that the County Council will be making a decision on said date.
A club statement read: “Oxford United are pleased to see the agenda papers published today that confirms OCC’s Cabinet will be making a decision on the 24th of January whether or not to pursue negotiations in relation to the proposed site known as ‘The Triangle’ (east of Frieze Way/south of Kidlington roundabout).
“We look forward to the meeting and urge the council to help provide the club, our supporters and the whole of Oxfordshire with some positive news to start the year.
“Last week’s FA Cup match saw the nation’s footballing eyes on Oxford United and demonstrated exactly what benefits could be enjoyed by the Oxfordshire community if we were able to cement our place in our community.
“The entire country heard the need for the club to move to a more secure, more sustainable and more befitting stadium from some of the biggest names in football, players and pundits alike. However, their expert opinions are not enough.
“There is an urgent need for clarity and certainty to enable us to make a meaningful step forward towards securing our future and we need the council to deliver on a decision that allows us to proceed to the next stage.
“As we’ve said previously, the overarching aim of the club has remained the same throughout; to secure a world-class, secure and sustainable new home for OUFC and to maximise the club’s contribution to the local Oxfordshire community. This remains our priority and the need to protect the club’s 129-year history is as pressing as ever.
“This statement may seem familiar – and that’s because it is. Our aim has not changed since the first potential decision was taken last January but we are now a year on, a year closer to our license agreement ending and no further in making progress in securing a new stadium.”
Oxford United Target 17-Year-Old Winger
The U’s are one of several clubs showing interest in Cliftonville winter, Sean Moore, according to the Belfast Telegraph.
The 17-year-old, who can play on both the right and left side of midfield, has also attracted interest from Celtic, Everton, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace.
While the U’s may find themselves in a lower league than the other interest parties, they do have a good track record of bringing youngsters over from Ireland and developing them before selling them on. Furthermore, it would seem likely that he would get more game time at Grenoble Road, while the other clubs may move him to the development sides.
In 16 Danske Bank Premiership appearances this season, Moore has scored twice and added two assists. He also found the net once from one Irish Cup outing earlier this month.
Portsmouth Confirm John Mousinho Appointment
Portsmouth have appointed Oxford United defender John Mousinho as their new head coach.
The 36-year-old, who joined the U’s in 2017 and made 150 appearances for the club, takes his first step into management having been part of Karl Robinson’s backroom staff in the past two seasons, alongside his role as a player.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Robinson said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for Mous and he leaves with our thanks and best wishes for the future.
“He has been an outstanding servant to our club and he will remain a friend to us all.
“He has made no secret of his wish to step up and become a manager, we have helped him along his career path like we do with all of our staff, and he is joining a great club where I am sure he will do well.
“We look forward to seeing him again later in the season when we play Portsmouth and I know he will get a tremendous welcome back from the fans.”
Back-to-back wins 😍
🟡🔵 #OUFC | #COYY pic.twitter.com/VWRP9PW5Pm
— Oxford United FC (@OUFCOfficial) January 21, 2023
Win Over Promotion Hopefuls
Oxford recorded back-to-back league wins for just the second time this season with a 2-1 victory over Ipswich Town.
Yanic Wildschut netted his first U’s goal but the visitors levelled just three minutes later. However, in foggy conditions, a long-range effort from Cameron Brannagan sealed the win late on.
The three points move Oxford up to tenth – the highest position Karl Robinson’s side have been this campaign.
