It’s been a tale of left-backs for Oxford United this week with Des Buckingham addressing Jack Currie’s departure before injury to Joe Bennett.
Elsewhere, the club announced their 25-man squad to see them through until January while Kyle Edwards made a return to the club.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Left-Back Issues and 25-Man Squad Announcement
‘It Wasn’t Part of the Plan’
Des Buckingham has admitted that “it wasn’t part of the plan” for summer signing Jack Currie to leave on loan.
The 22-year-old joined Leyton Orient on deadline day but the U’s head coach has given an explanation as to why.
Speaking to the Oxford Mail, he said “We’ve got Greg Leigh and Joe Bennett, who have played pre-season and stepped up really well, so the worst thing you want to do is block pathways of our players.
“Jack will be a very important player to us at this club, and I don’t mean that long-term. I mean now and the medium-term.
“What I didn’t want to do was stifle his development in terms of game time, so whether it’s until January or not, getting him out and playing games at League One is a good level for him, rather than sitting here and continuing training, and maybe picking up the odd minute here and there in certain games.
“It wasn’t part of the plan, but when we look at having Joe step up and do well, and Greg has done the same, rather than stockpile left backs, it’s the best thing for his development, but with the absolute intention of bringing him back here to continue with us.”
Short-Term Deal for Edwards
On Tuesday, Kyle Edwards penned a four month deal with the club.
The former Ipswich loanee struggled with injuries during him time at Oxford but remained with the club following his release from Portman Road.
Now, the winger is back in full training and the U’s have offered him a deal until January.
Golding Rejoins Maidenhead on Loan
On Thursday, young defender James Golding rejoined Maidenhead United on loan.
The 20-year-old spent time at York Road last season where heade ten appearances before being recalled by the U’s.
Oxford United Announce 25-Man Squad
On Friday, Des Buckingham announced his 25-man squad for the Championship campaign until January.
Following the arrival of Edwards, the club were two players over the squad cap so goalkeeper Simon Eastwood was the first to miss out along with full-back Joe Bennett.
The defender had started all four Championship fixtures this season but was forced off before half time with a hamstring injury, and could be out until the new year.
It leaves just Greg Leigh as the club’s only recognised left-back after Jack Currie joined Leyton Orient on deadline day, although Ciaron Brown and Jordan Thorniley are able to cover the role.
