It was an extremely positive start to the week for Oxford United as they finally received the green light on their application for a new stadium.
Elsewhere, Gary Rowett’s side edged past Colchester in the Carabao Cup but remain without a win in the Championship following a late defeat at Hull.
Read More: Team News, Form and Prediction as Oxford United Travel to Hull
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: New Stadium Confirmed, Cup Progression But Another League Loss
Golding Joins Crewe on Loan
On Monday, Oxford defender joined League Two leaders Crewe on a season-long loan.
The 21-year-old, who has made nine senior appearances for the U’s since his debut in October 2021, spent time at National League clubs Southend and Maidenhead last season, scoring five goals in 23 appearances.
This will be his first loan spell in the Football League.
Carabao Cup Win
On Tuesday, Oxford progressed to the second round of the Carabao Cup with a 1-0 win at home against Colchester.
Tyler Goodrham, who was deployed centrally by Gary Rowett, netted the only goal of the game inside ten minutes, bending a beauty in from 25 yards.
While the U’s were the stronger side throughout, they could not add a second goal.
Oxford to Face Brighton in Carabao Cup
On Wednesday, the U’s were drawn to face Premier League side Brighton in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Oxford edged past Colchester in the first round and now welcome the Seagulls for the first time since a meeting in the same competition nine years ago.
In that previous encounter, the visitors won 4-2 at Grenoble Road, with Wes Thomas and Dan Crowley netting for the U’s.
Stadium Approved
On Thursday, after a four-and-a-half-hour council meeting, Oxford United finally got the green light and were granted planning permission for a new stadium.
The U’s have been in lengthy discussions to build a new 16,000-capacity ground at The Triangle, south of Kidlington Roundabout, and the committee eventually agreed with a report recommended for approval.
The application will now be referred to the Secretary of State, a standard procedure for large-scale applications.
The decision means that the club is now set to stay at the Kassam Stadium until June 2028 at the latest while a new ground is built, after the club agreed a short-term licence extension earlier this year.
Jonathon Clarke, Development Director at Oxford United, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have secured planning approval. We’re now one step closer to delivering on our goal of creating a once-in-a-generation venue for supporters and the wider community.
“Getting to this point wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible stadium project team. I’d also like to place on record my thanks to the Cherwell District Council planning officers for their constructive engagement throughout this process.”
Grant Ferguson, Chairman of Oxford United, added: “This is a crucial step forward in the long process towards safeguarding the future of this great Club. With approval secured, our focus can now move to the next phase of the project plan.
“I’d like to thank Jonathon Clarke and our stadium project team for their unrelenting dedication and professionalism to enable us to reach this stage.
“Thank you also to Cherwell District Council for approving our application, and to all stakeholders, consultees and everyone else who has supported our vision.”
U’s Lose at Hull
Oxford ended a positive week with a stoppage-time defeat at Hull.
The U’s came from behind twice in a chaotic first 25 minutes with Will Lankshear netting his first Oxford goal before Cameron Brannagan made it 2-2.
The display was much better after the restart when Rowett changed formation but the hosts netted the winner deep into stoppage time to condemn the U’s to back-to-back league losses.
