Another week and another lot of Oxford United news for us to bring you.
This includes an update on the stadium decision, fixture news and a first major departure.
Read More: Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: New Deals, Defender Departure and Indonesian Tour
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Stadium Deadline, Fixtures Confirmed and Ruben Departs
New Date on Stadium Decision
On Monday, Oxford released a statement confirming the date for a decision to be made on the future of their potential new stadium.
It reads: “Oxford United can confirm that Cherwell District Council planning department is in the final stages of completing their report for the new stadium proposals.
“Following the latest review, the club are continuing to work with the Council’s team with the aim of securing a positive recommendation for the development plans. Oxford United’s planning application will be heard by the Cherwell District Council planning committee on 31 July.
Jonathon Clarke, Development Director at Oxford United, said: “With the recent review showing our responses are nearly complete, we can all focus on securing a positive recommendation for our plans.
“We have made it very clear that meeting the July planning committee date is critical if the club are to maintain the required timeline to secure our future.”
Final Friendly Announced
Also on Monday, the club announced that their final pre-season friendly will take place at home against Málaga.
The second-tier Spanish side visit Grenoble Road on Saturday, August 2, just a few days after CD Leganes also visit the county.
The former Champions League quarter-finalists take on the U’s just one week before the new Championship campaign begins.
Oxford United ‘Taking An Interest’ in Barnsley Midfielder
Oxford are one of four Championship clubs showing interest in Barnsley midfielder, Jon Russell, according to Football League World.
The 24-year-old reached impressive numbers for the Tykes last season, scoring 11 goals and adding two assists from 46 appearances.
As a result, Oxford, along with Derby, Blackburn and Stoke, are all keen on the versatile midfielder ahead of the new Championship campaign.
The Jamaican international is out of contract at the end of next season, so the League One side may be looking to cash in this summer.
Fixtures Announced
Oxford begin the 2025/26 season with a home game against Portsmouth. The U’s then travel to Hull and Birmingham before welcoming Coventry and Leicester before the international break.
Gary Rowett’s side welcome Southampton at Grenoble Road on Boxing Day before a trip to Ipswich on New Year’s Day.
Oxford end the season at Millwall, which follows the final two home games against Wrexham and Sheffield Wednesday, respectively.
Oxford to Welcome Colchester in Carabao Cup
Oxford were drawn against Colchester in the first round of the Carabao Cup.
The match will take place at Grenoble Road, with all first-round ties taking place week commencing August 11.
It will be the first meeting between the two clubs since an FA Cup clash in 2003.
Ruben Departs
On Thursday, there was a surprise departure as Ruben Rodrigues joined Brazilian top-flight side, EC Vitoria.
The 28-year-old, who spent two seasons with the U’s following a move from Notts County, scored 13 goals in 95 outings.
Four of those goals came last season in the Championship which, given he was playing fifth-tier football before joining Oxford, is pretty impressive.
Young Oxford United Star Signs First Professional Contract
On Saturday, Oxford confirmed that Youth Academy graduate Leo Snowden put pen to paper on his first professional contract.
The 17-year-old, who became the club’s youngest player after making his debut in a 5-0 win over Chelsea Under 21s in the EFL Trophy back in November 2023, scored an impressive 35 goals for the U18S last season.
Speaking after signing his new deal, he said: “Every young footballer wants to receive their first contract. Now that this has been achieved, there is a lot of work to do to push on.
“This contract doesn’t mean I now have a career. I need to do everything I can to push myself to the next step.
“I want to get closer to the first team and work as hard. The ambition is to make an appearance for the first team in the next season, and I will be doing my best to show that I can be at the highest level possible.
“We had a really strong season last year, but the targets now get higher. I want to score more goals than I did previously and make the next steps forward with the club.”
