LEWIS TO BE DENIS' ASSISTANT
Mickey Lewis has officially been appointed assistant to Denis Smith for next season. Lewis had initially expressed a preference for returning to his role as reserve and youth team manager, but his work with Denis at the end of last season has changed his mind. This move means Oxford are looking for someone to manage the reserve and youth teams. Mike Ford and Steve Davis have both expressed interest in a coaching role at Oxford. Personally I would favour Fordy, who is taking a coaching qualification over the summer.
Lewis said of his appointment, "Denis is a very experienced and very good manager. He is someone to work under and you shouldn't fail to take these opportunities to work under experienced people."
SWINDON AGAIN LINKED WITH KNIGHT
Colin Todd's Swindon have again been linked with Oxford's loan star
of last season, keeper Richard Knight. Denis has already discussed a permanent
contract (believed to be two years) with Knight, but he has not yet had
a definite response.
JOEY PUTS READING OFF
Thanks to Les Warner for letting me know that a story in Thursday's Reading Chronicle reported that Reading were unwilling to meet Joey's wage demands. This presumably means that Joey has actually had talks with the Royals. It also casts doubt over whether Oxford can meet his wage demands. (By the way, the latest club to be linked with Joey is Portsmouth.)
GILLS PAY EXTRA £10k
Gillingham's promotion has cost them an extra £10,000, a sum which they will pay to Oxford as part of the deal which took Andy Thomson to Kent. The Gills originally paid £25,000 for Thommo, with the extra sum to be added if they were promoted. Thomson himself played an active role in Gillingham's promotion, scoring the winner in the play-off final on Sunday.
TERRY COLES FUND
Having just finished trawling through my email from the period when I was on holiday, I came across an appeal on behalf of Terry Cole, the Swansea fan killed in the trouble at the game between Rotherham and Swansea. Here are the details of the mail:
Terry Coles was the Swans supporter who died tragically at the championship game between the Swans and Rotherham. A true football fan, devoted to his Swans, he left a widow and two young children.Swansea City Football Club, in co-operation with several of Terry Coles' friends, have opened a fund for his children and widow.
At the moment, funds are being gathered while details of a properly-constituted trust, with trustees and objects, are being addressed.
If you want to make a contribution -- personally, or as the result of a fund-raising effort -- you may make your cheque payable to:
"SCFC -- Terry Coles Fund," marking it to Sort Code 16-33-09, Account #10052640.
The account is being held at The Royal Bank of Scotland, 13/14 Walter Road, Swansea SA1 3NG.
The bank asks that you send your contribution to:
The Terry Coles Fund
Swansea City AFC
Vetch Field
Swansea SA1 3SUThank you!
LILLEY INTEREST
Perth-based side, St Johnstone, are apparently expressing interest in Derek Lilley, whose impressive late season form was a factor in the U's avoiding relegation this season. TeamTalk (yes, them) speculate that Saints may offer around the £60,000 that Oxford originally paid Leeds for the striker. (Surely he is worth more than this to us now?) Lilley is under contract at Oxford for another two seasons.
POWELL MAY YET STAY
Good news for those who would like to see Paul Powell stay at Oxford for the time being, as both the Premiership clubs who have shown interest in Powelly have persuaded left backs to stay with them. Newcastle's Andy Griffin has decided to remain on Tyneside, whilst Bradford's left back, Wayne Jacobs, who was linked with Aberdeen, has signed a new contract at Valley Parade.
MORE VIVEASH RUMOURS FROM TEAMTALK
TeamTalk are doing their best to keep up interest in their story of
Oxford's reputed interest in Walsall's out-of-contract defender, Adrian
Viveash. They report that Oxford now face competition from Reading (as
well as Stoke and Northampton) for the player. In typically understated
fashion, TeamTalk reports that there is a "transfer frenzy" surrounding
Viveash...
BACK FROM HOLIDAY
Well, I'm back from holiday, and supposedly well rested after a week in the North East of Scotland. So what has happened in my absence?
Just announced are details of Oxford's pre-season friendlies before the start of next season. Matches are as follows :
The reserves also have a number of friendlies lined up, with matches
at Banbury Utd (26 July), a tournament in Thame involving Thame United,
Met Police and Cirencester Town, a match against Milton United (7 August)
and a match at Wantage Town (15 August).
CONTRACT NEWS
Oxford have offered new contracts to all eight of the out-of-contract players, meaning that only the already-released trio of Nigel Jemson, Eddie Newton and Pål Lundin have been officially offloaded. Of course it is now up to the players in question to decide whether they accept the terms on offer. All but those under 24 (Folland, Cook and Shepheard) have the right to a Bosman free transfer if they don't accept the terms offered to them.
Apparently many of the contracts offer worse terms than the players currently have. This is because most of the previous contracts were drawn up when Oxford were in division one. It should be noted that even the three younger players are entitled to an automatic free transfer if they have been offered terms worse than those they are currently on. It can be surmised from this that it is some of the older pros (Davis, Whelan, Robbo?) that have been offered the reduced contracts.
When asked whether he expected the players to sign, Denis was uncertain, saying, "I've no idea to be honest. I have talked to the players and they have listened to what I have said and gone away with an offer. They have got a month to reply and they usually take that month and see what else is on the table for them. It is not an ideal situation because I cannot really plan and I have to guess who will be coming back and who isn't. It is a difficult process, it is not an ideal process, but it is the way the system works now and you have to deal with it".
Meanwhile, a Derby website reports that Colin Todd is eager to sign Richard Knight for Swindon. Denis yesterday offered Knight a contract, but he has yet to accept it.
STRIKER LINK
Denis has apparently been clocking up a phone bill trying to get an unidentified striker signed. He believes the matter is now "sorted", but nothing will be confirmed until next month.
COMPETITION FOR VIVEASH
Oxford face competition for Walsall's Adrian Viveash (if indeed we are even after him - we only have TeamTalk's word on this) as both Stoke and Northampton are reportedly interested in the commanding central defender.
FORDY STARTS COURSE
Mike Ford, just retired as a player, has started the course which is required to become a fully qualified coach. Fordy has been linked to a coaching position at the Manor.
CROSBY THE SPY
Malcolm Crosby will spy on opposition countires during Euro 2000 to
help out Kevin Keegan. Crosby said, "It's great to be involved in a major
tournament like this with England. I know it's only a small part, but it
could be quite an important role."
PLAYER TALKS CONTINUE
Radio Oxford reports that Denis Smith will hold talks with Richard Knight and his agent this morning in a bid to sign him for Oxford. Derby yesterday confirmed that Knight was one of the players they have released on a free transfer. (Also released was former trialist at the Manor, Sinclair le Geyt.)
Denis will also apparently be talking to two of the remaining out-of-contract players this morning, and to a potential new signing tomorrow. All this has to be done quickly, as Denis is off on holiday next week.
Coincidentally (I assure you), I shall also be on holiday next week, so no updates from Friday until the bank holiday weekend. At that point normal service should be resumed.
VIVEASH LINK
TeamTalk are currently linking Oxford with Walsall's central defender and captain, Adrian Viveash, who turned down a new contract with the Saddlers, and is available on a Bosman-free. Viveash, a former Swindon player, is now 30, and will presumably be looking for a good offer as this will presumably be the last significant move of his career.
Viveash quit Walsall in disgust after being offered terms no better than his previous contract. Many Walsall fans feel annoyed that one of their most poular, dependable and committed players has been allowed to leave in this way. He sounds like just the sort of plahyer Oxford need, so hopefully these rumours prove true. Whether we can afford his wages is doubtful though, as he was Walsall's most highly paid player by some margin.
JEMMO BOUND FOR CUMBRIA?
Carlisle have expressed an interest in signing Nigel Jemson after his recent release by Oxford. Jemson, now 30, failed to score in his second spell with the U's.
WANLESS INTERVIEW
Thanks to Neil Harding for pointing out a two page interview with former U's youth and first team player, Paul Wanless, taken from Cambridge site U's Net. There are some interesting quotes about his time at Oxford, including :
"It's nice to hear now Denis Smith saying he made a mistake. It
doesn't do me any favours, I still speak to a few of the Oxford lads and
they say they'd love to have me back. The Oxford team I played for are
ten times better than the Oxford team now. We had Jim Magilton, Peter Leonard,
you had excellent players and I was looking to try and knock them out,
so it was a little bit more difficult than what it would be to get in their
team now! But it had nothing to do with me, and I'm so happy Oxford stayed
up because they are my home club. I wanted Cambridge to stay up, first
and foremost, followed by Oxford, so this season turned out ideal for me.
"But as I said, it had nothing to do with me, I love Oxford and that is a club I would always follow and I wish 'em well."
FOUR OFFERED CONTRACTS
Denis has confirmed that Robbo and Joey, along with Rob Folland and Jamie Cook (who has apparently been approached by a couple of other clubs), have been offered new contracts. He also claimed that he has been trying to contact Mark Watson in Canada. The players have until the end of their current contracts (30 June) to make a decision.
No news on what is to happen to Davis, Shepheard and Whelan, the other three players out of contract this summer.
JOEY STALLS ON DEAL
Joey Beauchamp has been offered a new deal by Oxford, but has not yet made up his mind whether to accept the terms. Reading and other clubs have expressed interest in signing him, and it seems Joey is waiting to see what they will offer, as he is clearly not exactly enamoured of the terms offered by Oxford.
"The offer from Oxford was not bad, but I really just do not know whether
I will stay there," commented Joey. "I don't want to say too much. There
are a few clubs who have shown interest and I'd like it all sorted out
as soon as possible, but I've got to wait to see what all these clubs have
to offer."
ROBBO OFFERED DEAL?
I didn't see Saturday's Oxford Mail myself, and I don't think their web-site was updated, but apparently the paper reported that Robbo is to be offered a new one year contract. I'd love to know precisely what he has done this season to merit a new deal. He was constantly out of position, beaten by every half-good forward or winger in the division, and a completely uninspirational captain. Do we really wnat to damage our memories of his eight good years at the club by giving him another season in which to be crap? Give the man a testimonial and then pack him off to Mansfield.
Joey Beauchamp has also reportedly been offered a new deal. Reading are known to be monitoring the situation, but he wouldn't go there, would he?
FOLLAND CALL-UP
Rob Folland has been called up to the Wales U21 squad for matches against Scotland and Northern Ireland at the end of the month. Hopefully he'll have been offered a new contract by then.
JAMIE LAMBERT UPDATE
After being released from his trial at Port Vale, Jamie Lambert returned
to the team he was playing for before he joined Oxford - namely village
team, Checkendon. They recently had a date with Marlow in the Berkshire
Senior Cup final, to be played at lambert's old stomping ground, the Madejski
Stadium. Lambert was to have been a sub for Checkendon (how the mighty
have fallen), but didn't appear. Oh well.
BRADFORD INTEREST IN POWELL
Two snippets of news from TeamTalk today (so place your thumb and forefinger together around some salt), the more interesting being that Bradford are said to be keeping tabs on Paul Powell, who is said to be wanted as replacement for Portsmouth-bound left back, Andy Myers. The article claims Powell is rated at £1 million (what only?) but that Denis would hold out for "the right price".
The other story is that Fordy has been released by Cardiff after retiring
from playing football at the age of 34. This fuels speculation that he
will join the coaching staff at Oxford, a move he is reportedly keen on.
KNIGHT TO SIGN SOON?
Denis Smith believes he is close to clinching the permanent signing of impressive 20 year old keeper Richard Knight from Derby. Knight is likely to be offered either a two or three year deal. Knight is known to be keen on a move to Oxford (he is after all fourth choice at Derby), and personal terms are not believed to be a stumbling block.
DENIS SINGS HIS OWN PRAISES AGAIN
There are some nice comments from Denis about his effect on the Oxford team since taking over (with my warped views after each one):
(By the way, Shotton managed 11 points from his 14 games - surefire relegation form.)
MORE POWELL TALK
Today's edition of the Newcastle-based Evening Chronicle continues to speculate about Powelly joining Newcastle. The snippet is as follows:
Meanwhile all the talk in Oxford is that their England Under-21 star Paul Powell is joining Newcastle in the summer - so much so that Oxford issued a denial saying no deal has been done.But United [that's Newcastle] are undoubtedly interested in the young left-sided midfielder.
FLA APPROVE MANOR TERRACING
The Football Licensing Authority (FLA) have told Oxford United that they can use the Manor terracing for at least another season. This is good news indeed - we don't have to fret over where to play next season. Now we just need to get over all the hurdles that block our path to getting the new ground completed. FK commented, "This is very welcome and vitally important news for the club."
An official club statement on the issue is as follows:
Oxford United has been told that it can retain its terracing for next season at least. In a letter to the club, the Football Licensing Authority has agreed to grant "a further dispensation in respect of the standing accommodation at the Manor Ground after the existing licence under the Football Spectators Act 1989 expires on 31 July 2000. The further dispensation will run until 31 July 2001".SMITH SEEKS STRIKERIt is hoped that the current capacity of 9,500 will be retained - subject to satisfactory barrier testing and annual structural survey reports. Had dispensation not been granted, the capacity would have been restricted to 2,803 seats. This would have been below the Football League's minimum capacity of 6,000 and could have resulted in the Club being expelled from the Football League. In its letter to the Club, the FLA revealed that it's decision is based on "the significant efforts being made by the Club, with the support of the City Council, to complete its new all-seated stadium. It is aware that progress has now been held up by the application for Judicial Review and accepts that this is a matter outside the Club's control".
The Club have released the following Press Statement:
The Football Licensing Authority (FLA) has given the green light for
Oxford United to continue using the terracing at the Manor Ground for
the season 2000-2001.The original dispensation and licence granted by the FLA expires on
31 July 2000 which would have effectively resulted in the end of
League football at the Manor.When the High Court granted the Judicial Review of the granting of
Planning Permission for the Multiplex Cinema at Minchery Farm,
United's Chairman Firoz Kassam applied to the FLA for a further
dispensation for the terracing.Speaking after the receipt of the welcome news from the FLA, Mr.
Kassam said:"This is very welcome and vitally important news for the club. I am
pleased and grateful that the FLA have been sympathetic to the
extraordinary circumstances which were completely beyond the control
of the Club".
Denis Smith is keen to find a striker as quickly as possible, and has already drawn up a shortlist of four players, all out-of-contract at their respective clubs. Two of the players are reserves at Premiership clubs (both apparently under 24, meaning that they would not necessarily cost nothing), one is with a third division club, and one at a Scottish club.
Now that Nigel Jemson has been released, the club is at least one striker short, especially as one of the remaining forwards at the club is Steve Anthrobus, proud scorer of exactly two goals this season. At least with standards such as these, any newcomer wouldn't have a lot to live up to.
Denis is also known to be keen on hiring an additional person for his
coaching staff, as Mickey Lewis currently coaches both the first team and
the youth team. He failed in his bid to bring old crony Malcolm Crosby
back to his side, but has stated that it is a necessity to hire someone
in this role. "I'd rather lose a player and have 17 rather than 18 challenging
strongly for first-team places if it means I can get the staff right, because
you have to have the right base," said Denis. Steve Davis and Mike Ford
have both expressed interest in coaching at Oxford.
McGOWAN INJURY DETAILS
Neil McGowan could face another lengthy injury lay-off after being the victim of a two-footed challenge (ignored by the referee) in Oxford's last match at Millwall. McGowan has suspected knee and ankle ligament damage, and will go for tests next week. He has only just returned from a broken leg suffered in January.
FOULMOUTH 7
You can read the latest issue of FOULMouth at the FOUL website. It details important matters such as Pentith and the JR, Morrells, Les Wells, the Council elections, and the mystery of the missing sixth issue.
POWELL CHEAPER THAN MOST
Newcastle have decided to buy foreign players rather than their British counterparts, because they feel that British players are overpriced. However they are to make an exception for Paul Powell, the one English player whom they feel to be within a reasonable price range. What a surprise - as usual clubs feel that they can wrest players from Oxford more cheaply than from other league clubs. It was only a few days ago that I read a report on Leicester in a national broadsheet that said what a bargain buy Gilly had been.
LEONI RELEASED
Former Oxford transfer target, Stéphane Leoni, has been released on a free transfer by Bristol Rovers. Leoni, 23, a former French U21 international right back, had a trial at Oxford in September. Of course it was Shotton rather than Smith who was interested in Leoni, but with Robbo possibly on his way, we may need a new right back...
PALACE TAKEOVER COMPLETED
Crystal Palace's future looks a little brighter today after Jerry Lim's
takeover of the club was finalised with the exchange of contracts. The
Malaysian businessman's consortium will assume control towards the end
of the month. Palace have been in severe financial trouble since Ron Noades
sold the team (but no the stadium) to Mark Goldberg two years ago.
NEWTON AND JEMSON DEPART
Eddie Newton and Nigel Jemson have become the second and third of Oxford's out-of-contract players to leave the club (the first being Lundin).
Newton has apparently left without even discussing a contract extension with Denis, and has joined a club in China. Denis commented, "We always knew he would only be with us until the end of the season, but we wish him well. It's a shame, I didn't really have a chance to speak to him after Saturday's game at Millwall, but he has left us now."
Jemson faces an uncertain future after previously being unable to find an English club when he was released by Bury last season. His unimpressive spell with Oxford is unlikely to have increased other clubs' interest in him, and he faces a worrying summer. Denis is apparently looking for a goalscorer rather than creator, and he does not feel that Jemmo is that person - a return of no goals in 18 appearances tends to back up his viewpoint.
Indications are that Denis is hesitant to offer Mark Watson a new contract until it can be established how often Watson will be required by Canada next season. He is worried that a fax from the Canadian FA claims that Watson could be called up for a significant part of next season.
Denis is however doing his best to sign Richard Knight, so impressive in goal recently, on a full contract. Knight is known to be keen to join Oxford, and it is hoped that Derby would release him on a free transfer.
FOLLOWING IN REAL MADRID'S FOOTSTEPS...
Oxford beat Manchester United 3-2 last night in Mike Ford's testimonial match. Of course Oxford wasn't really Oxford at all, as a host of former U's stars turned out for the match. Man Utd wasn't really Man Utd either, more like their third team. But Mike Ford got to say goodbye at last, after ten years of faithful - and mainly good - service. Nice one, Fordy.
Oxford's goals were scored respectively by players future (Chris Hackett), present (Derek Lilley) and past (Jim Magilton). Matty Elliott, Phil Gilchrist, Phil Whitehead, Stuart Massey, Peter Rhoades-Brown and of course Fordy himself all turned out for the U's. More than 6000 watched the match. Darren Fletcher (who?) and Jonathan Greening (at least I've heard of him) scored the Man Utd goals.
Ford looked back fondly on his time at Oxford. "You are made so welcome
at this club - it's just so friendly. I'd like to thank everyone for making
tonight so special and if you look at the lads that played out there tonight
it wouldn't make a bad side would it? Well, that's except for Rosie, who
had a shocker! I really enjoyed it in midfield tonight, but the problem
is that you have to do a lot of running when you are playing alongside
Jim Magilton!"
SMITH PLEDGES IMPROVEMENT
Denis Smith has pledged that Oxford will be a better side next season, saying, "We will be better next year and we won't be down at the bottom, that's for sure." However he also claimed that Oxford had made Millwall "fight all the way" - a cliam that not many U's fans would agree with after watching the abject second half performance by Oxford.
Smith said that he will tell his players in the next couple of days which of them will be staying and which will be going. Phil Whelan said, "I have no idea whether I'm going to get another contract." The fans hope they know.
SUMMER HERE KIDS
(MILLWALL 1 OXFORD 0)
The U's completed the season with a 1-0 defeat to Millwall, who, thanks to Cardiff's win over Bristol Rovers, moved up into a playoff spot with this victory. Oxford fans were thanking their lucky stars that Cardiff had already been relegated as just one extra point from previous matches would have seen them finish above Oxford, enough to have relegated the U's. (Interestingly, Denis was present, and not at his sister-in-law's wedding!)
Oxford matched the Lions in a fast and furious first half, with Paul Powell again showing why he is likely to be Premiership-bound in the summer. His lively wing-play was matched by Millwall's Paul Ifill, who was involved in the build-up to Neil Harris' early goal. It was another case of bad marking by the static U's defence. But Oxford could and perhaps should have been level at the break, as Steve Davis' powerful header was saved by Warner, with a suspicion that it had already crossed the line. Millwall had also had a good penalty shout turned down, as Steve Davis clumsily fouled a Millwall attacker in the box. The ref made up for this decision by refusing to red-card a Millwall defender who brought down Powell from behind (= red card) when he was the last defender (= red card), preferring only to book the player.
The second half was no match for the first, as Oxford hardly threatened at all, and Millwall eased towards their victory. News that Cardiff were beating Bristol Rovers had the Millwall fans in jubilant mood long before the end. If they're that boisterous at merely reaching the play-offs, goodness knows what they'll be like if they actually clinch promotion!
Well - this was hopefully the last appearance in an Oxford shirt for Robinson and Whelan, and presumably the last for Powell. The side needs an overhaul if we are to do better next season. We should really have gone down, and we were fortunate not to have with our dismal points total. End-of-term report : very poor.
COUNCIL CHANGES
The Labour Party's loss of control of Oxford City Council (where the Greens now hold the balance of power) could have an effect on the success of the Minchery Farm project. John Tanner, the former Council leader who lost his seat in the elections, was one of the driving forces behind the Council's backing of all the MF developments. The Green Party are known to have grave doubts about the project, although individual councillors have stated that the party would not block any progress as they do not want to threaten OUFC's survival. The Lib Dems, now the largest party, are known to back the Oxpens development, which includes a rival multiplex cinema application. We live in interesting times.
SMITH STAYING
Firoz Kassam has agreed that Denis Smith should stay for another season, starting with a "clean slate" next season. Denis' brief had been to keep the U's up, and this he achieved, even if it was more down to the failures of other teams than any major success of our own. He had wanted to sign a two year contract, but it seems Kassam is not yet looking that far into the future. I'm not even sure if there has been an official signing of even a one year deal, or whether this is more of a verbal agreement.
FORDY'S TESTIMONIAL TONIGHT
Tonight sees Oxford take on a Manchester United XI (read "third team") for Mike Ford's testimonial match. Fordy served the U's with great passion and leadership for over ten years, and unsurprisingly tickets are selling well. Kick-off is at 7.30pm, and former U's players such as Matty Elliott, Phil Gilchrist, Phil Whitehead, Andy Melville and Jim Magilton could all make an appearance.
Manchester United had originally announced that they could not field their first team as they would be playing in Europe tomorrow evening. Guess again. But they are still unlikely to release their stars for such an unlucrative fixture. It will, however, be broadcast live on MUTV. Wow.
Fordy said of his testimonial (two years late), "I'm looking forward to the match immensly. I've never really had a chance to say a proper goodbye and thank-you to the Oxford supporters, so I can do that now."
Of this season's relegation battle between Oxford and Cardiff, he commented,
" From a professional point of view, I am obviously very disappointed that
Cardiff got relegated but my sadness is tinged with some happiness as Oxford
have stayed up and I have a lot of friends there. In some respects, I'm
happy that Oxford didn't go down."
MILLWALL PREVIEW
Oxford travel to the New Den knowing that they can relax and play football against a side that themselves are still desperate for points. Even if Millwall beat us, they may still fail to reach the playoffs. If Bristol Rovers win and Stoke draw then there is nothing the Lions can do. But Millwall site, A Lions View, appears confident, predicting a 5-1 win for the home side.
Joey Beauchamp, Mark Watson and Paul Tait will all miss the match through injury, meaning Simon Weatherstone and Phil Whelan will keep their places in the team. Chris Hackett and Dean Whitehead will both be on the bench.
Mark Watson's injury is serious enough to rule him out of Canada's summer World Cup qualifiers against Trinidad & Tobago and Honduras.
SMITH MEETS KASSAM TODAY
Denis Smith will discuss a contract with FK today, apparently hopeful of at least a two year deal at Oxford. Smith is disappointed that Oxford didn't act in time to prevent his preferred assistant, Malcolm Crosby, from joining up with Colin Todd at Swindon, saying, "I wanted Malcolm to come here and I think he wanted to, but I wasn't in a position to offer him anything. I don't even know if I'm staying yet."
Smith will also presumably discuss the important matter of the out-of-contract
players, now that we know that Oxford will be playing second division football
again next season.
SMITH AMBITIOUS
Denis has claimed that Oxford should finish fifth from top (rather than this season's fifth from bottom) "at the very least" next season. He commented, "We've got some good players at Oxford; what we've lacked has been confidence and a little bit of luck, because we've been without Peter Fear and Joey Beauchamp for quite a few games."
Mickey Lewis believed Oxford had deserved to stay up this season. "We've got some decent players at Oxford and at least we play football. What we've got to try to get is a bit more steel."
CROSBY AT SWINDON
Malcolm Crosby, former assistant to Denis at Oxford (and indeed briefly
- and ingloriously - manager of the club), has been appointed assistant
to newly appointed Swindon boss, Colin Todd. Crosby still lives in Oxford,
and was known to be keen on renewing his partnership with Denis. However
financial constraints prevented this. You see - there are some benefits
to being bankrupt. Now if we can just swap Denis for Colin Todd, we'll
be doing ok.
LEWIS TAKES CHARGE
With Oxford's division two safety now guaranteed, Mickey lewis will take charge of the team for their trip to Milwall on Saturday. No, Denis hasn't bottled the idea of visiting the New Den. He is to attend the wedding of his sister-in-law.
Denis was understandably very pleased with last night's result, though he did not attend the match at Priestfield. He was instead scouting for talent at Southend v Torquay. He said, "I'm delighted. This gives us something to aim for next season. We have to aim for a higher league and get that planning permission through to be able to play in a new stadium."
Les Robinson, reportedly unable to sleep for three nights with worry over the Cardiff results, announced that he was "absolutely chuffed to bits". But he's off to Mansfield anyway, isn't he? It's sad, given what a loyal servant and - until last season - a consistent player he has been at Oxford, but there can simply be no place for Robbo in the team next season.
ELECTION SURVEY
FOUL have asked me to point you at their local election survey, which asks various candidates in different wards in Oxford about their Minchery Farm/Oxford United policies. It might just help any floating voters out there make up their minds.
SWINDON SACK QUINN
Oxford will be playing local derbies against Swindon against next season, but the Robins will have a new manager installed by then, as yesterday Jimmy Quinn was sacked as boss of the bottom placed side in the first division. Terry Brady is poised to finalise a £2 million takeover of the ailing Wiltshire side, and will presumably install his own choice of manager in due course.
CARDIFF MATCH DETAILS
Those of you who would like to revel (I won't say "gloat") in Cardiff's defeat last night might like to read some fo the reports:
THE U's ARE STAYING UP!!!
RESULT : GILLINGHAM 4 CARDIFF 1
Cardiff lost 4-1, having been reduced to ten men, as Andy Legg was sent off for a foul (26). Cardiff actually (and scarily) went ahead through Bowen after just 70 seconds, but Gillingham equalised through Asaba (thanks to Legg's backpass) soon afterwards. After Legg's dismissal, Southall and Asaba again put Gillingham into a commanding position by half-time. Asaba completed his hat-trick in the second half to put the result beyond doubt, relegate Cardiff, and save the U's.Way-hey!
DO US A FAVOUR...
The next chapter in Oxford's bid to escape from relegation takes place at Priestfield tonight, as form team Gillingham take on our only remaining relegation rivals, Cardiff. If the Welsh side were to lose tonight, the U's would be guaranteed second division football again next season. Any other result and it will be a nervous last round of matches on Saturday, as Oxford travel to Millwall and Cardiff host Bristol Rovers. What would then make the day even more crucial is the fact that Bristol Rovers and Millwall are vying for the final play-off spot.
Most Cardiff websites seem to think that the best they can do is to draw tonight and then beat Bristol Rovers on Saturday, whilst hoping we lose at Millwall. Gillingham are unbeaten in seven, winning five, whilst Cardiff have won just one of their last five, but form can be a bad predictor in situations such as this. It could be a tense night for all concerned.
CONTRACT RUMOUR
This is probably completely misleading, but there is a report that Joey, Jemmo and Eddie Newton were photographed together after the match on Saturday. All three players are currently out of contract. Read into that what you will.
PFA TEAMS
Paul Powell failed to be named in the PFA Second Division team of the season, pipped by Bristol City's left back, Mickey Bell. I predict that only one of these players will be playing Premiership football next season, and it won't be Bell.
Oxford did have links to two of the players named in the third division
team, as former loan flop Marco Gabbiadini and ex-U's "striker" Nick Cusack
were both named in the side. Either they've improved or the third division
is fairly weak...
PERFECT DAY
(OXFORD 2 SCUNTHORPE
0)
Saturday could not really have gone much better for Oxford United. The team did what was absolutely necessary, winning 2-0 against Scunthorpe, Matt Murphy and Paul Powell getting the goals. Goodbye Scunthorpe. Over to Oldham for news of the Blackpool match. Step forward, Oldham youngster Ryan Sugden. He came on as a sub in the 89th minute with Oldham losing 1-0, a result which would have left Blackpool fancying their chances of finishing above us - their last match is at home to Chesterfield. Sugden had never previously scored a first team goal, but he did it on Saturday. 1-1. Goodbye Blackpool. It's the mighty U's versus Mike Ford, Danny Hill and the rest of Cardiff.
Fast forward to yesterday, and the stadium where our season began so hopefully back in August. Stoke take a 2-0 lead over Cardiff, but this is quickly pegged back to 2-1. Ceefax refuses to change the words "latest score" to "result" until about twenty minutes after the match should have finished. It did nothing for my blood pressure, but Cardiff lost. Four points behind us. Two to play. Tuesday night at Priestfield could see our safety guaranteed, as promotion-chasing Gillingham play host to our rivals. Another Ceefax moment beckons. Maybe Paul Moody won't relegate us after all - but of course, he might yet.
LUNDIN RELEASED
Pål Lundin has been reeased by Oxford. One of may players waiting in the wings to discover whether Oxford would offer them a new contract, Lundin apparently plucked up the courage to ask Denis, and was told he would not be required next season. I guess Andre Arendse must be fit again, as Lundin will be allowed to leave today. This increases the chances of our signing the very impressive Richard Knight permanently, but I will still miss Lundin, who certainly has more to offer than his South African rival. Sadly Arendse is still under contract, whilst Lundin's has expired. Lundin intends to join a club in his native Sweden, as he has reportedly already had a few offers.
Lundin departs with nothing but praise for the team and supporters. "I have enjoyed my time here in England, especially the crowd and to play here at the Manor. I always looked forward to Saturday and in all the games I played, I got tremendous support from the supporters. It is sad that I have to leave them and the lads in the team, because they are all a great bunch of guys".
This move will reduce the chances of Mark Watson accepting a new contract at Oxford, assuming he is offered one. Watson's friendship with Lundin (whom he recommended to the club last season) is well-documented and must be a major part of Watson's contentment at the club.
POWELLY REWARDED
In the summer he's probably Premiership bound, our only saleable asset, but Paul Powell was justifiably named player of the season in a disappointing campaign during which he was one of the few highlights. Played out of position (left back) he learnt how to tackle, and still managed some sparkling wing-play and more than his fair share of goals. Well done, Powelly.
Mark Watson was second, Matt Murphy was third (for his goals rather than general play), and Ben Abbey was surprisingly fourth. Maybe this was a protest vote (small as it probably was) to try to get Denis to play Abbey up front?
Had he been at the club for any longer, Richard Knight may have been
a serious challenger to Powell, and he deserves a mention. There's always
next season for Knight (hopefully).