With no league fixture for Oxford United, it was a fairly quiet week. Despite that, we have you covered for all of what has happened in the last seven days.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Injury Blow and Stadium Progression
Oxford United Stadium Update
Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet have agreed to a framework for talks with regards to Oxford United’s search for a new stadium.
Council documents revealed that a final decision on the club’s plans for a new stadium at ‘The Triangle’ could be due as early as July.
The papers also show that the likely case is that a final cabinet decision on The Triangle is due in September, while the latest a decision would be expected is at a cabinet meeting in November.
Planning permission for a new stadium would be required from Cherwell District Council, the local planning authority.
Young Goalkeeper Departs on Loan
Oxford goalkeeper Fraser Barnsley has joined National League South side Welling United on a short-term loan.
The 18-year-old impressed for the young U’s as they reached the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup earlier this month.
U’s Lose Lewis Bate
Leeds United loanee Lewis Bate could be out for the rest of the campaign, the club have confirmed.
The 20-year-old, who has turned out 35 times for Oxford this season, has had an operation on a hand injury that he picked up in a recent defeat against Derby County.
Speaking to the club’s official website, U’s boss Liam Manning said: “It’s unfortunate but unavoidable.
“The nature of the injury just means we can’t risk him playing right now. He wanted to play on but we can’t delay it or it could lead to long-term issues and that is too great a risk so he is going to have to sit the matches out for the foreseeable future.
“Lewis is gutted but he is a very talented player and has a very bright future ahead of him; Oxford fans have seen that this season and like us will be wishing him a speedy recovery.”
Oxford United Defender Gets Minutes on International Duty
U’s defender Ciaron Brown started in both of Northern Ireland’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against San Marino and Finland.
The defender, who played on the left side of a back three defence, picked up a yellow card during his 82 minutes in their 2-0 win at the Olimpico di Serravalle before playing the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 defeat at Windsor Park.
