It was another frustrating week on the pitch for Oxford United with the U’s picking up just one point from a possible six.
However, there was some good news off the field with a new addition to the backroom staff and a positive stadium update.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Poor Performances But Important News
Draw Against Northampton
Oxford began the week with a fifth draw in six games, this time against Northampton.
The U’s took the lead on two occasions through Josh Murphy and Will Goodwin, but the Cobblers took advantage of defensive errors to level the tie twice.
Oxford will be frustrated with the result, having been the better side for the majority of the match.
New Head of Athletic Performance Appointed
On Thursday, Oxford United appointed Luke Taylor as the club’s new Head of Athletic Performance.
Taylor, who helped establish the club’s sports science department within the academy from 2011 to 2014, also worked alongside head coach Des Buckingham with the New Zealand national team in 2019.
Speaking to the club’s official website, he said it was an easy decision to return home. “I am from Marston and this is my home,” he said.
“I was very fortunate to work with the academy and get the opportunity to work with the club I grew up watching – my brother has a season ticket in the North Stand and my dad has a box level with the 18-yard line!
“I got a fantastic grounding here and have then gone off and learned so much working with the FA, with the New Zealand side in international football and then with the Welsh FA.
“When Des rang me and asked what I was up to it was perfect timing- my two daughters were born in Oxford and it’s a chance to come home and let them grow up in an amazing city.”
Oxford United Submit Planning Application
On Friday, the club announced that they have submitted a full planning application to Cherwell District Council for its proposed new stadium.
The U’s are looking to build an eco-friendly 16,000-capacity stadium on an area of land known as The Triangle, near Kidlington, as part of a mixed-use development.
It would be the first all-electric stadium in the UK and includes a safe standing allocation, sensory room, 130 wheelchair spaces and well-being gardens.
Jon Clarke, Development Director at Oxford United, said: “Today is a significant milestone in our stadium development plans and for the future sustainability of the club.
“We have taken the opportunity to create something truly incredible that not only places the visitor experience at its heart but is sustainable and will deliver huge benefits to our community and economy.
“Submitting our full planning application further demonstrates the club’s commitment to delivering a new state-of-the-art landmark that will benefit the entire community.
“Our thanks go to our whole stadium project team who have worked tirelessly to submit this extensive planning application. We received a high volume of feedback during the public consultation and revised our plans based on some observations.
“This process helped ensure we got our application correct and, in light of the extensive response received, took slightly longer than anticipated.
“We look forward to continuing to share details of the plans and working closely with key stakeholders including Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire County Council to bring our vision to reality.”
Young Duo Sent Out on Loan
Oxford youngsters Josh Johnson and Rashane Maxwell have joined Banbury and Thame on short-term loans.
Johnson, who spent time at Welling earlier this season, has joined the National League North side, while Maxwell joins Thame on work experience.
Defeat Against Orient
Oxford’s unbeaten run came to an end with a home defeat against Leyton Orient.
The U’s took the lead through Tyler Goodrham but not for the first time this season, failed to hold on or add to their advantage.
The O’s levelled five minutes after the restart and netted the winner with just over ten minutes remaining.
Oxford are clinging onto the final playoff spot but have played two more games than seventh-placed Stevenage, who sit just one point behind them.
