Unbeaten in the league and a dramatic move away from the bottom three; it’s been a remarkable start to life at Oxford United for Gary Rowett.
Also this month, the U’s have been busy in the transfer window with several ins and outs.
Oxford United January Round-Up: Unbeaten League Run and Transfer Movements
U’s In Form and Early Transfers
Oxford began the month, and the new year, with their first away win of the season. Gary Rowett took his U’s side to face a former club in Millwall on New Year’s Day and came away with a 1-0 win, making it three victories in succession.
Malcolm Ebiowei was the first player of the month to depart with the winger returning to Crystal Palace. The 21-year-old managed just six appearances this season.
The U’s then picked up a point at Preston. Ruben Rodrigues netted his second goal in as many games in the first half but the visitors netted a deserved leveller in the second half.
Will Goodwin was the next to depart as he joined Wigan on loan until the end of the season. The striker managed just 11 appearances since joining from Cheltenham last January.
Oxford then broke their transfer record to sign Eredivisie Forward, Ole Romeny. The 24-year-old joined from Utrecht, where he scored two goals in 13 league appearances.
Stephan Negru was then recalled by the U’s following a successful loan spell at Salford. The defender turned out 22 times for Karl Robinson’s side.
Ed McGinty was next to leave with the 25-year-old goalkeeper joining Shamrock Rovers for an undisclosed fee. The former Sligo Rovers man returned to the League of Ireland on loan last January and has made a permanent switch.
There was then a second arrival of the January transfer window as Alex Matos arrived on loan from Chelsea. The 20-year-old midfielder spent time on loan at Huddersfield last season.
FA Cup Defeat, League Form Continues and Experienced Signings
Back to matters on the pitch, Oxford United bowed out of the FA Cup with defeat at Exeter. Matt Phillips gave the U’s the lead but the Grecians ran out 3-1 winners in Devon.
The U’s headed back down to Devon the following Tuesday and played out a 1-1 draw against bottom club, Plymouth. Will Vaulks opened his Oxford account on the stroke of half time but the Pilgrims levelled the game in the second half.
Oxford then made a third addition with the arrival of Millwall striker, Tom Bradshaw. The 32-year-old Wales international was out of contract in the summer but has teamed up with former boss Gary Rowett with the U’s.
Defender Michal Helik was the next to sign, with the 29-year-old arriving from Huddersfield. The Poland international has been a mainstay in the Championship for the last four seasons and is a threat on both boxes, having scored nine for the Terriers during the last campaign.
Helik was thrown in for the start as Oxford won 1-0 at home against Blackburn. A Cameron Brannagan free kick was enough to earn all three points at Grenoble Road, extending Gary Rowett unbeaten run to six league games.
Dane Scarlett was then recalled from his loan spell by Tottenham. The 20-year-old scored four times in 20 Championship appearances following his summer move.
Oxford continued their unbeaten run with a 3-2 victory at home against Luton. The U’s had to come from behind twice against the Hatters but goals from Helik, Ciaron Brown and Greg Leigh ensured Rowett’s 100 per cent record at Grenoble Road.
Negru then returned to Salford on loan. The defender was recalled with the U’s suffering and injury crisis but the arrival of Helik and promising news on Ben Nelson and Elliott Moore means that game time in yellow appears limited.
There was another loan departure when Louie Sibley joined League One side, Rotherham. The 23-year-old only joined the U’s in the summer but has struggled for minutes.
On the pitch, Rowett remained unbeaten in the league after a goalless draw at another former club, Stoke. It was a scrappy afternoon in Staffordshire and Ole Romeny missed a decent chance late on but a point was a fair result.
Oxford left it late in January but announced the return of Stan Mills on a permanent basis. The 21-year-old quickly became a fan favourite during a loan spell before injury curtailed his season, but has returned on a long-term deal.
