On a dramatic afternoon, Oxford United claimed the final League One playoff spot. The U’s needed to better Portsmouth’s result to be in with a chance and as they won 4-0 against Burton Albion, Pompey suffered a home defeat to Accrington Stanley.
Also this week, the U’s signed Marcus McGuane on a permanent basis ahead of next season from Nottingham Forest but Josh Ruffels has been linked with a move to the City Ground.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Oxford Claim League One Playoff Spot With Win Over Burton Albion
League One Playoff Spot Confirmed on Final Day
All Oxford needed to do was better Portsmouth’s result. Before that, the U’s needed to focus on their game against Burton.
That’s exactly what they did. An early goal from Queens Park Rangers loanee Mide Shodipo set the ball rolling before Matty Taylor headed his 18th goal of the season.
Elliot Lee added a third from a free-kick before substitute Sam Winnall saved the best till last with a stunning 30-yard half volley.
Although Oxford had done their job, there was an anxious wait for the final whistle at Fratton Park. Accrington had taken a first-half lead against Portsmouth and John Coleman’s side held on to secure the win, meaning the U’s moved into the top six.
Oxford will now face Blackpool in the League One play-off semi-final, with the winner of the match between Sunderland and Lincoln City waiting in the Wembley showdown.
Marcus McGuane Joins the U’s
Oxford United signed midfielder Marcus McGuane at the start of the campaign on a season-long loan from Nottingham Forest, but the 22-year-old has been ruled out since January with a thigh injury.
However, U’s boss Karl Robinson remained hopeful that the former Arsenal and Barcelona man would return next season, and the club have acted quickly to ensure that has happened.
Unlike this season, McGuane has joined permanently on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee from the Championship side.
Josh Ruffels to Go the Other Way?
With McGuane moving from Nottingham to Oxford, defender Josh Ruffels could be set for a move from Oxford to Forest.
The Athletic have reported that the Championship club are looking to sign Accrington forward, Dion Charles, along with Ruffels ahead of next season. Ruffels has had an impressive season, scoring six goals and laying on a further six assists.
However, the 27-year-old is out of contract in the summer and talks have been ongoing for some time, raising questions regarding his Oxford future.
John Mousinho Becomes New Chair of Professional Footballers’ Association
Oxford United captain John Mousinho has been appointed the new chair of the PFA. The 35-year-old was elected at a meeting earlier this week, and he replaces former Oxford defender Ben Purkiss in the role.
Speaking to the Oxford Mail about his appointment, Mousinho said: “It is an honour to represent our members as elected chair of the Players’ Board, and I look forward to continuing the organisation’s vital work.
“We have a diverse, experienced and knowledgeable Players’ Board who are perfectly positioned to take the union forward.
“I would like to thank the outgoing Players’ Board members, particularly Ben Purkiss, who has mentored me throughout my time at the PFA and has been instrumental in his role as chair.”
U’s Linked With Scunthorpe United Defender
According to Football Insider, Oxford are is of several League One clubs that are looking to sign Scunthorpe defender, Jacob Bedeau.
The 21-year-old is out of contract in the summer and the Iron are unable to offer him a one-year extension. As a result, Portsmouth, Fleetwood Town, MK Dons and the U’s have shown interest in the defender.
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