Oxford United kicked off their new League One campaign but it ended in defeat on the road against Cambridge United.
Elsewhere this week, there have been transfers, both in and out, as Liam Manning looks to establish his squad for his first full season in charge of the U’s.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Transfer News and Opening Day Defeat
Young Goalkeeper Leaves on Loan
On Monday, Oxford goalkeeper Eddie Brearey joined St Ives Town on loan until January.
The 19-year-old, who came through the club’s academy before earning his first professional contract, is yet to make a senior appearance for the U’s.
The goalkeeper has also spent time on loan at Hungerford Town and North Leigh, while this is his second stint with the Saints.
With James Beadle, Simon Eastwood and Ed McGinty all ahead of the youngster, goalkeeping coach Lewis Price revealed a move away will help his development.
Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “Eddie needs to test himself and get senior appearances and this is an ideal chance for him.”
Manning on Liverpool Striker
Liam Manning insists that Liverpool youngster Max Woltman may still have a chance with the club.
The 19-year-old was a trialist during the U’s win over Swansea City and has been training with the club.
Speaking about his plans for Woltman, Manning said: “We’re talking to Liverpool and exploring what that looks like.
“It’s more of a development project than it is coming in and impacting the team straight away.
“In terms of the personality he was and the character he showed, and some of the quality he showed in glimpses, I think he’s the type of player that fits how we want to play.
“When you look at competition in his position with Ruben [Rodrigues] and Billy [Bodin], what we don’t have is the next one coming up under that.
“It depends on what the deal looks like, that’s the big bit. It’s all on what the deal looks like ultimately.”
Out of Contract Midfielder Close to Full Fitness
Oxford United midfielder Alex Gorrin is close to a return to full fitness, according to head coach Liam Manning.
The 30-year-old is out of contract but has been training with the club after picking up a knee injury in December, a knock-on which followed an ACL injury in November 2021.
“He’s been cleared and we’ve integrated him into training,” said Manning.
“There are certain stages with surgeons and processes to go through, and he’s been all-cleared.
“It’s now about getting him close and he’s pretty much there anyway, he’s done a full session with full contact.
“It’s now in terms of that psychological aspect, and the random nature of football and contact, and things like block tackles – those unpredictable movements.
“He’s having a period now in training where it’s slightly more controlled and he gets high repetition from that.
“What a terrific character, I can’t speak highly enough of him as a person and what he brings.
“He’s realised in terms of the level he’s come back at.”
Asked whether there is a future at the club for Gorrin, Manning said: “I’ve had an honest, real chat with Alex about it, in terms of his contract being up in the summer and the changes with new staff.
“First and foremost, with someone who’s done what he’s done at the club and how he is as a person, we have a duty of care to look after him and get him fit.
“Ultimately for me, it’s a case of let’s judge him when he’s fit and then we’ll have a conversation along the way.
“I can’t speak highly enough of him as a pro, and as a person he’s been outstanding.”
Max Woltman Joins from @LFC! 😍
🟡🔵 #OUFC | #COYY pic.twitter.com/rZG1REliZE
— Oxford United FC (@OUFCOfficial) August 3, 2023
Max Woltman Becomes Eighth Oxford United Arrival
On Thursday, Oxford completed the signing of Liverpool forward Max Woltman, with the 19-year-old joining for an undisclosed fee.
The youngster, who made two senior appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side, had been on trial with the U’s and featured in their 1-0 pre-season win over Swansea last month.
Now, the U’s have landed the former Doncaster Rovers loanee on a three-year deal and he becomes the first permanent transfer the club have paid a fee for.
After signing for the U’s, the teenage attacker said: “Coming from Liverpool, which has a massive history, when you come to Oxford, it’s also a massive club as well with a big fanbase and a lot of cracking players in the side.
“It’s not a step back, it’s a big step forward for me and I’m really looking forward to it.
“Hopefully I’ll go score a few goals and help the team, and go for promotion.
“I think they deserve to be at a higher level and the fans know that.
“They want to play at the highest level they possibly can because this team can definitely do it.”
Asked where he sees himself playing his best football, Woltman added: “Just behind the striker as a ten, I think that’s where you can link the game and get in the box, and score goals – that’s where I prefer playing.
“I’m a good finisher, I’m good on the ball, I’m silky and like to combine play.”
Manning said: “We had a real honest chat with Max, he obviously came in and spent the week with us so we got to see him up close.
“He’s a terrific personality and character, which you take for granted a little bit.
“We’ve seen his talent, we’ve seen his qualities.
“What we’re trying to work as hard as we can to do is make sure that we produce a team capable in the short-term but also do some work for the medium and long-term as well.
“With Max, we had that chat and I think he’s quite clear he’s coming in to compete and fight against some slightly more experienced players.
“At the same point, I wouldn’t rule out that if he’s doing better than them, he’ll play and it’s as simple as that.”
Winger Joins Banbury on Loan
On Friday, Oxford’s youth winger Aiden Elliott-Wheeler joined Banbury United on a youth loan.
The 17-year-old, who also spent time with the Puritans last season, will now have the chance to impress again in the National League North.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Head of Academy Stevie Kinniburgh said: “Aidan has a really bright future.
“He did really well in our FA Youth Cup run last season and went with the first team for their training camp in Spain where he fitted in really well.
“Playing National League North football is going to be the next stage of his development but he has taken everything in his stride so far and we’ll be able to keep a close eye on his progression.”
Opening Day Defeat
Oxford’s pre-season optimism was quickly diminished with a 2-0 defeat on the road to Cambridge United.
The U’s fell behind on 16 minutes before the hosts doubled their advantage just 12 minutes later.
Naturally, there was plenty of frustration in the away end but this is just the first match of another long campaign.
Featured image: Nigel Cox. CC BY-SA 2.0
