Frustrating weeks and Oxford United have been going hand in hand recently as the last seven days were no different.
The U’s announced a first-team physio would leave the club before Des Buckingham’s side suffered a defeat at Portsmouth.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Departures and Defeat
First Team Physio to Depart
Oxford’s first-team physio Andy Caton will leave the club at the end of the season.
Caton joined the club four and a half years ago from Crystal Palace, initially with the academy.
He moved into the first team during Covid and has been a valued member of the medical team, but leaves to concentrate on his own business.
He said: “It’s one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make.
“My family has huge connections with Oxford United and I have loved working with Amy Cranston and the medical team. They are incredible people and the club is in very very good hands.
“At the same time I have had my own clinic which is growing and taking up more of my time, and with a young family I want to spend more time with them as well: they have to be my priority.
“Football is a fantastic thing to be involved in but it can be all-consuming, you are working long hours, seven days a week so I just need to get the balance right.”
Chris Williams Departs
There was another departure but with immediate effect as communications manager Chris Williams stepped down from his role after 23 years at the club.
Williams has been an integral part behind the scenes for over two decades and his departure was met with sadness from many Oxford fans.
Defeat at Fratton Park
Oxford suffered back-to-back defeats with a narrow defeat on the road at league leaders, Portsmouth.
The U’s fell behind inside two minutes with goalkeeper Jamie Cumming making a mistake for the goal but Cameron Brannagan levelled just minutes later from the penalty spot.
Mark Harris and Josh Murphy both struck the post as Oxford looked to take the lead but it was Pompey who got the crucial second goal when they hit the U’s on the break.
Des Buckingham’s side are now three points behind Stevenage who have played a game less.
