The transfer window is a spell of optimism for fans as they look to boost their squads, but Oxford United have lost three key players in one day.
After sustaining long-term injuries, both Stanley Mills and Kyle Edwards have been recalled by Everton and Ipswich respectively, while number-one goalkeeper James Beadle has joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan from Brighton.
Manic Monday as Oxford United Lose Three Loanees
Injury Ends Mills’ Season
The day began with Oxford winger Stanley Mills returning to Everton after picking up a knee injury in the FA Cup defeat at Coventry.
The 20-year-old, who scored once and added eight assists while on loan from the Toffees, was taken off on a stretcher as the U’s lost 6-2 at the Ricoh Arena.
Read More: Player in Focus: Stanley Mills
As a result, the winger has returned to Finch Farm to begin surgery before rehabilitation under the care of Everton medical staff.
Despite the injury, it’s been a successful first loan spell in the Football League for the Everton man.
Edwards Recalled But Still At the Club
Shortly after Mills’ departure, Oxford lost another winger as Kyle Edwards was recalled by his parent club, Ipswich.
The 25-year-old managed just six appearances for the club, scoring two goals, before injury took its toll.
His loan spell is over but Des Buckingham said that the winger will stay with the club until he recovers from injury.
He said: “Kyle wasn’t expected to return (from injury) until the start of April, with the new information we have on him.
“He will continue his rehab here at Oxford, and we’ll make sure we can work with him, to get him back where he was, and where he needs to be.
“He’s got a settled life down here now, Ipswich are happy with it, and he’s happy with the rehab team we have here, so it makes sense for him while he’s got his life moved here, for us to get him back where he wanted to.
“Ipswich were happy for that to happen, and so was he, and we’ll accommodate that because he got injured while he was here and we at least owe him that.”
Beadle Blow for Oxford United
Oxford then lost a third player of the day as goalkeeper James Beadle joined Sheffield Wednesday.
The Brighton youngster joined the U’s on a season-long loan in the summer but the Seagulls decided to send him to a Championship club for the remainder of the campaign.
The 19-year-old made a big impression with the U’s, playing 28 times in all competitions and keeping nine clean sheets.
On the departure, Oxford head coach Des Buckingham said: “He’s a wonderful young goalkeeper who was entrusted to us from Brighton, and we’re thankful for that.
“Hopefully we’ve shown we’re the type of club that can provide that environment for players to come in, and it’s part of our recruitment strategy to have good young players.
“He was able to show in the short time he was with us what a wonderful goalkeeper he is, and what a bright future he has in front of him.
“It’s a shame to lose him because of the performances he’s played to get us where we are in the table, but the pleasing thing is work has been done in the background by the recruitment team and Ed Waldron.
“We’re very much ready to bring someone in that space, to support the goalkeepers we have here.”
