Another fall in the League One play-offs, another summer sale of a star centre back, there's a really familiar feeling around Oxford United as they head to Loftus Road in the League Cup tomorrow. We caught up with Dale Ventham for the latest.
Distinct second best to Blackpool in the play-offs, but how do you assess last season overall?
It was almost a season of overachievement, considering how poorly we started. However, finishing in the playoffs in two consecutive seasons is certainly positive.
Oxford results so far…
Cambridge 1-1 Oxford Ironside pen 78 — Seddon 43
Burton 1-1 Oxford* Mousinho og 90 — Holland 85
Oxford 2-1 Charlton Williams 23, Brannagan 31 — Washington pen 36
Oxford 1-0 Crewe Henry pen 33
Bolton 2-1 Oxford Afolayan 45, Doyle 63 — Taylor 11
How's this season started?
Good, although we did lose to Bolton at the weekend. As I said before, we have become notoriously slow starters under Karl Robinson but so far so good. A draw against Cambridge on the opening day was followed up with a win over Burton in the cup (on penalties) and a victories over Charlton and Crewe.
Feelings on manager Karl Robinson? Bit gobby, but plays good football...
I think, like many Oxford fans when he took over, there was some scepticism. From the outside, he does come across as 'gobby' and often says things that will frustrate opposing fans, but when he's at your club he genuinely cares and only has the club's best interest at heart. Great football and some exciting signings, too.
I see another star defender, Rob Atkinson, has been nicked. How's the summer transfer activity been overall?
Again, it's been good. Losing Atkinson to Bristol City and Josh Ruffels to Huddersfield could have been a blow but we have recruited well. We have experience in Billy Bodin and Ryan Williams and exciting talents in Nathan Holland and Marcus McGuane. However, left-back Steve Seddon is already looking the signing of the season. That said, we still need defensive cover.
Ins >>> Steve Seddon, 23, LB, Birmingham, Undisclosed >>> Marcus McGuane, 22, CM, Forest, Undisclosed >>> Billy Bodin, 29, LW, Preston, Free >>> Ryan Williams, 27, RW, Portsmouth, Free >>> Jordan Thorniley, 24, CB, Blackpool, Loan >>> Nathan Holland, 21, LW, West Ham, Loan >>> Gavin Whyte, 25, RW, Carduff, Loan
Outs >>> Rob Atkinson, 22, CB, Bristol City, £2m >>> Sean Clare, 24, CM, Charlton, Undisclosed >>> Josh Ruffels, 27, LB, Huddersfield, Free >>> Dylan Asongani, 22, CF, Maidenhead, Free >>> Rob Hall, 27, RW, Released
Any more like Rob Dickie kicking around in your cupboards?
Yeah, Rob Atkinson, although he's now gone! We've built a reputation in recent seasons of signing young centre backs (or players in general) and selling them on for a decent fee. Dickie was arguably the best of the lot. Luke McNally could be the next to follow that path, but it is only his first season at the club.
What are your expectations for this season?
Given our recruitment and recent finishes, I think anything less than a spot in the playoffs would be a disappointment. That said, there are some tough fixtures this season in the league.
Links >>> Oxford official website >>> Oxford Mail — Local Press >>> Last Word on Sport — Contributor Blog >>> Vital Oxford — Contributor Blog >>> Yellows Forum — Message Board >>> The Fence End — Podcast >>> T’Manor — Podcast
The Twitter @Dale_OUFC, @loftforwords
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