Why Oxford United can do more than just stay up
Last season, Des Buckingham’s Oxford United defied the odds, dominating heavy favourites Bolton Wanderers, to win the League One Play-Off Final 2-0. With a step up, comes new pressure, and Oxford have once again been written off, with many bookies having them as favourites to head straight back down. Despite the media having its day on the Oxfordshire club, I believe this team can stay up, and pick up some scalps along the way.
When getting promoted into any division, recruitment is arguably the number one thing on the list. You need a balance, keeping hold of the core that got you up, whilst adding quality, youth and experience, Oxford have done just that. Captain Cameron Brannagan has signed a new deal, top scorer Mark Harris has remained at the club, and last seasons hero in net, Jamie Cummings has signed permanently from Chelsea.
The club have brought in winger Matt Phillips from West Bromwich Albion, Peter Kioso from Rotherham, Matt Ingram from Hull City and Will Vaulks, who could end up being the signing of the year. Four players who have played extensively at this level, filling the experience quota.
For the youth and excitement quota, Dane Scarlett and Malcolm Ebiowei come in on loans, two players with huge ceilings and promise, and Louie Sibley joins from Derby County, at 22, he’s played over 170 games, and could become key in this Oxford team.
So, the squad has kept his core, whilst adding quality and experience at this level, along with some exciting wildcards. It’s also important to note that they haven’t over-recruited, we’ve seen so many sides overhaul their squads, spending stupid money, only to fall immediately back down, that isn’t the case here at Oxford.
Buckingham’s style has shown that Oxford aren’t afraid to take on teams the way they want. Oxford play fast, they use width and bring midfielders into the box and overload, pace is a huge part as is taking on opponents. This isn’t a team designed to sit back, use the low block. It is in no way designed for a relegation scrap, and I think they can avoid one altogether.
In United’s opening game against Norwich, the team came out quickly and on the front foot and the Canaries failed to handle it. Whilst you can never read too much into the first game of the campaign, if Oxford play like that consistently, they can easily pick up the points needed against those around them.
It is important to remember that this Oxford side almost has nothing to lose. After Liam Manning midway through last season, they were not expected to do anything, but Buckingham and co took them to the next step. They have kept a core that was already at this level, added to it with quality and have a manager who will not let them play on the back foot. United are set up to play free flowing football, with a squad more than good enough at this level with nothing to lose, it could be a fun year to be an Oxford fan.
