Some fans will see this as a successful week for Oxford United but others will claim it was another frustrating seven days.
The U’s picked up draws against table-topping Portsmouth and rivals Reading either side of deadline day, which saw two new faces.
While Des Buckingham’s side avoided defeat, they are now four games without a win.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Portsmouth Draw, Deadline Day and Rivalry Renewed
Oxford Target Set for Posh Move
Oxford United target Michael Olakigbe had reportedly agreed a deal to join Peterborough, according to Pete O’Rourke.
The Bees were looking to offload the 19-year-old on loan during the transfer window and the U’s, along with League One rivals Peterborough and Bristol Rovers, had shown interest.
The winger would join the Posh on deadline day.
U’s Remain Interested in Transfer Listed Striker
The U’s then reignited their interest in Fleetwood striker, Jack Marriott, according to Alan Nixon.
The 29-year-old was a target for the club in the summer and reportedly saw a £500,000 bid rejected for the forward.
However, Marriott had since been placed on the transfer list by the League One strugglers and Oxford remain interested.
According to Football Insider, Wrexham and Stevenage were also believed to be in for the former Peterborough man. He would join the Welsh club on deadline day.
Draw Against Portsmouth
On Tuesday, Oxford played out an entertaining draw against league leaders, Portsmouth.
Tyler Goodrham put the U’s ahead on the brink of half time with a(nother) sensational solo effort but Pompey came from behind to turn the game on its head.
However, after an effort from Mark Harris was only parried, James Henry was on hand to head home in the 90th minute.
One concern will be the loss of Fin Stevens and Jamie Cumming through injury.
Blackpool Winger Watches Oxford United Against Portsmouth
Blackpool winger Owen Dale was in attendance for that game ahead of a potential move to Oxford, according to Jerome Sale.
Speaking after the game, U’s head coach Des Buckingham added: “There’s probably some more news in the next 24 hours,” when asked about the 25-year-old’s attendance.
Dale has played 23 times in League One this season, scoring once and adding one assist. The winger can also play on either flank but prefers the right, which is an area that Buckingham needs cover.
‘Agreed a Deal’
On Wednesday, Blackpool winger Owen Dale had then “agreed a deal” to join the club, according to Pete O’Rourke.
O’Rourke added that the Blackpool man will join the U’s on a permanent deal before the transfer window closed on Thursday.
Goalkeeper Targeted by Oxford United
Oxford United were then one of three Football League clubs considering a move for former Brentford goalkeeper, Nathan Shepperd, according to Pete O’Rourke.
The 23-year-old, who was also being looked at by Wycombe and Salford, is without a club after leaving Dundalk at the start of the month.
He spent two years with the League of Ireland Premier Division club, where he turned out 78 times. He was also named Player of the Season in his debut campaign.
Oxford United Youngster Linked With Championship Clubs
Transfer news continued on Wednesday with four Championship clubs weighing up a late move for Oxford United youngster, Tyler Goodrham, according to TEAMtalk.
The 20-year-old, who signed a new long-term deal earlier this month, has arguably been one of the club’s most promising players this season.
However, given his recent rise, which includes three goals from his previous six league games, Middlesbrough, Hull, Bristol City and Coventry have all shown interest.
Bristol City boss Liam Manning will know plenty about the 20-year-old, having managed him on 23 occasions.
Read More: Two In And No Departures For Oxford United On Deadline Day
Deadline Day: Dale Delivers
Oxford United made their first deadline-day addition with the arrival of Blackpool winger, Owen Dale.
The 25-year-old, who watched from the stands as the U’s drew against Portsmouth on Tuesday night, joined for an undisclosed fee from their League One rivals.
Oxford head coach Des Buckingham told the club website: “He is an exciting player, he gets at defenders, has a lot of energy and has played over 200 games, so he knows his game and we feel still has plenty of potential to keep improving.
“With Tyler Burey and Will Goodwin also joining in this window, we’ve really strengthened our attacking options. Owen will go straight into the squad to face Reading on Saturday.”
The former Crewe academy player, who joined the Seasiders in 2021, added: “I played against Oxford earlier in the season and really liked the way things are set up here.
“I met the manager and know he has big plans and, having watched them against Portsmouth on Tuesday night, you can see what a good side they are.
“I know there are also players coming back into the group who will strengthen the squad for a real push between now and the end of the season.”
Deadline Day: Matete Joins
Oxford made their second and final deadline day signing with the arrival of Jay Matete.
The 22-year-old midfielder joined the U’s on loan from Sunderland until the end of the season.
Matete joined the Black Cats from Fleetwood in 2022 and won promotion to the Championship. He also helped Plymouth gain promotion from League One after joining on loan last January.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” he told oufc.co.uk.
“I have played against Oxford plenty of times and know they like to play the game the right way.
“They are in a strong position, have good players and a great setup. I can’t wait to get started.”
Des Buckingham added: “He has played a big part in both Sunderland and Plymouth doing well in this division, so he knows the league and what it takes to be successful in it.
“He is a very strong and powerful player who will bring additional strengths to our midfield. His ability to break play up and drive the team forward, along with a range of passing ability, will be important attributes to us between now and the end of the season.”
Oxford United Draw Against Reading
A first-ever Thames Valley league derby at Grenoble Road ended all square.
Mark Harris gave the U’s a deserved first-half lead but Oxford took their foot off the gas after the restart and the Royals levelled when Ciaron Brown turned the ball into his own net.
While Oxford avoided defeat, it is now four games without a win and with Stevenage winning, it drops the U’s out of the top six.
