Guide To Oxford

Pre-Season Guide To...Oxford United

2004/2005 Preview - Oxford United

LAST SEASON

A season that promised so much ended so dismally for Oxford as they slipped out of the promotion and play off zones to finish 9th, 12 points ahead of us

WHAT HAVE THEY BEEN UP TO THIS SUMMER?

Tommy Mooney from local rivals Swindon is their biggest signing of the summer and one that will undoubtedly strengthen their forward line for next season. Also into the three sided stadium this summer have been Leo Roget (Rushden), David Woozley (Torquay), Lee Bradbury (Walsall), Rob Wooleaston (Bradford), Dave Mackay (Dundee), Chris Tardif (Portsmouth), Barry Quinn (Coventry), Terry Parker (Portsmouth) and Mark E'Beyer (Wimbledon) as Graham Rix builds his own squad after taking over from Ian Atkins

Through the door marked Exit is Dean Whitehead, Andy Crosby, Andy Woodman, Lee Steele, Matthew Bound, Paul McCarthy, Richard Walker, Courtney Pitt and Manny Omoyinmi.

WHO ARE THEIR FAMOUS FANS?

Mega rich Richard Branson is one of five people as famous Oxford fans - the other four being Britains No 1 Tennis player- Tim Henman, Former TV-AM nut Timmy Mallett, Sesame Street lookalike Jim Rosenthal and Neil Smyth - the Colonel from Soccer AM

5 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT OXFORD

Oxford have won 71 University Boat Races. Only Cambridge with 78 have won more. Co-incidentally Oxford have 78 runners up places in the competition whilst Cambridge have 71. Both have also been involved in one dead heat.
Oxford's own web site suggests that "Oxford has so much to offer that you may want to spend more than 2 hours getting to the heart of your own chosen theme" - 2 whole hours - can you spare the time?
Never forget as well the first Thursday of every month when it is farmers market time. Buy farmed produce and if you are lucky you can even talk about how they are produced and grown. This Thursday flies by every month in the excitement.
They're a scandolous bunch there as well - their benefit fraud team has saved taxpayers £1.66million in the last year alone.
For the sum of a bargain £6.50 you can have a guided walk around the City. What else will you do with your hard earned cash?

ARE WE ANY GOOD AGAINST OXFORD?

Quite frankly no. Just 8 wins from 25 meetings between the two although I guess Oxford only have 10 despite leading 42 goals to 34. More worryingly for Swansea, they have won just 1 of the last 10 meetings and Oxford have only twice lost league games at the Vetch. For the full list of results, click here

WHEN DO WE PLAY THEM?

Wednesday 8th December Swans fans will be able to look out over the empty end at the Kassam whilst Oxford visit the Vetch for the last time on 16th April in the penultimate game at the ground.

IF I WANT TO FIND OUT MORE WHERE DO I GO?

May as well try the Rivals site, what have you got to lose?

WHAT ARE THEIR CHANCES NEXT SEASON?

It's a bit hard to say as there have been so many changes this summer at Oxford but I will go for them to get promotion - some of those signings look pretty useful.

Why not check out the latest Vetch Verdict on the BBC site?

What to read next:

The fate today’s Swansea footballers would never have to endure
Swansea City bring this season to a close on Saturday with a home game against Millwall. However, what about those bygone days when footballers had no choice but to go down the pit after their career ended, or open a toy shop, pub or retrain ? That thought would petrify todays modern footballer.

Jamal Lowe : Still to be contacted regards his future at Swansea, Langstaff update
We have been told by numerous Swansea fans of a chance meeting in a service station between Jamal Lowe and those returning from Norwich yesterday. Nothing in that or indeed the conversation they had yesterday. Indeed there has to be some interpretation from what we know already on Jamal Lowe.

Brave Swans in memorable game at Carrow Road
It was a pulsating game to watch and very much one of my favourite away games of the season. The Swans looked an entirely different side to that we saw at Middlesbrough when it is clear a catalyst for commitment was agreed behind the scenes at Swansea City. To a man every player grafted and wore the shirt with pride. To see the players really acknowledge the Swans support at Carrow Road this afternoon was emotional.

Norwich City 2 - 2 Swansea City - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.

TEAM NEWS : Norwich City v Swansea City
The Swans are on the Norfolk Broads, punting and boating their way to the end of the season. Hopefully the city of Norwich is obliging.

Swansea City : Jack Army travel over 1,000 miles for two games in succession
Swansea City have set out on their second long distance away trip in two weekends, this time to Norwich for todays clash between the Swans and Canaries (3pm) Over the last ten meetings between the clubs Swansea City have won five times, Norwich the same.

Cardiff City fan sends tragedy tweet directed at dead Swansea City fan Terry Coles
As a result of the news reported by Sky on Wednesday that five military horses had escaped and ran through central London, a Cardiff City follower thought it wise to relate the incident to the death of Swansea fan Terry Coles, 42.

Swansea reject Cullen contract and trigger one year option
Liam Cullen has had his request for a new contract dismissed by Swansea City after discussions broke down last week. The lowest paid ‘senior’ player at the club ( he is twenty five) asked for a better contract increasing his £3,500 a week to around £7,000 a week over three years.

Gwyn’s Eye View : Norwich City v Swansea City ‘The officials’
Thanks to Gwyn we have a thorough assessment of this weeks officials who will take charge at Carrow Road this Saturday at 3pm. Norwich City will be keen to get the points to guarantee their play off slot, and Saturday is their first go.

Sam Parker hasn’t turned down a new deal, he is willing to negotiate
He was a revelation for the Swans for the few games he played this season, and now it emerges Sam Parker has ‘turned down’ a new Swansea City contract. News is thin on the ground, and some of it just incorrect as he looks to involve his representatives in some further negotiations. Plus his current contract runs for two more years.