Despite not being in action this week due to the international break, it’s been another positive seven days for Oxford United.
On Monday, the club released detailed plans for their potential new stadium. Elsewhere, Stanley Mills saw his three-match ban overturned, an Oxford player won a monthly award and the first-round draw for the FA Cup has been made.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Stadium Plans Revealed, Red Card Overturned and Defender Claims Monthly Award
Oxford United has today published further details of the plans for their potential new home in Kidlington 🏟️
Full details ⤵️
— Oxford United FC (@OUFCOfficial) October 9, 2023
Stadium Plans Revealed
On Monday, Oxford United released detailed plans for their potential new stadium.
Last month, Oxfordshire County Council agreed to lease land to the club situated at ‘The Triangle’, north of the city near Kidlington.
The released showcased pictures of the proposed complex, which will include a 16,000-capacity stadium, 180-bed hotel, restaurant, conference centre and community plaza. However, this remains subject to planning permission from Cherwell District Council.
Oxford’s current lease at the Kassam Stadium expires in 2026, and the club are looking to create a “sustainable sports, entertainment and lifestyle landmark” which was “locally loved and internationally recognised”.
With no option to renew the lease at their current site, Oxford United Chief Executive, Tim Williams, said the club “must find a new home”.
Red Card Rescinded
Following his red card in the win over Bristol Rovers, the FA have overturned Stan Mills’ suspension.
The club appealed the decision and the Everton loanee will now be available to face Blackpool next week.
However, Liam Manning will be without midfielder Oisin Smyth for the visit of the Seasiders after he picked up two yellow cards against the Gas.
Duo Nominated for Monthly Award
Oxford United defender Greg Leigh and head coach Liam Manning have been nominated for Player and Manager of the Month respectively.
Leigh netted three goals in three games while Manning, who won the award in August, had led his three wins from four.
One Monthly Award
On Friday, U’s defender Greg Leigh won the League One Player of the Month for September, becoming the first Oxford player since Matty Taylor in February 2020 to do so.
The 29-year-old summer signing opened his U’s account with a late equaliser against Port Vale, only to be sent off minutes later before the Valiants scored a 99th-minute penalty.
Leigh returned against Exeter before scoring a brace on the road at Stevenage – to celebrate his 29th birthday in style.
Currently away on international duty with Jamaica, Leigh told the club’s official website: “I am really grateful for the award and look forward to collecting it when I get back to Oxford”.
“You always want to make a good first impression when you join a new club and that whole month was a really good one for the whole team.
“It’s not often that the award is won by a defender so I’ll accept it on behalf of the defence. Maybe me scoring a few goals caught the eye but more importantly, we have been keeping clean sheets and looking very solid at the back. Long may that continue.”
Head coach Liam Manning, who was nominated for Manager of the Month for a second successive time after winning in August but pipped by John Mousinho in September, added: “Greg settled in well.
“The goals were a bonus but he fitted into the defence extremely well. We had some really strong candidates and excellent performances within the team and it’s nice for the players to get recognition for what was a really good month.”
Oxford United to Host Maidenhead United in FA Cup First Round
On Sunday, the draw for the first round of the FA Cup took place and Liam Manning’s U’s will host National League side Maidenhead United.
The tie will take place on the weekend of November 4 and it will be the first-ever meeting between the two sides.
