ARENDSE LEAVES
Just as I was wondering whether Andre Arendse would have some difficulty renewing his work permit after just 13 league appearances last season (Craig Foster of Palace had his reject despite making 20 appearances), the point was rendered moot by Arendse's decision to leave Oxford and return to South Africa. He had a clause in his two year contract that stated that he could leave after one if his spell at Oxford had not "worked out". As he is not the first choice keeper, he considers that the move was indeed a mistake.
He returns to his native Cape Town, presumably to link up with top club Cape Town Spurs (though this is not confirmed as yet).
Denis commented on the need to sign a back-up goalkeeper for Richard Knight, and said, "Andre's departure releases a reasonable amount of money. I will be talking to the chairman today to find out how much - if any - of the money I can use."
NO RETURN FOR DAVIS
Steve Davis will not be returning to Oxford, even if he cannot find another club. Denis Smith has confirmed that the contract offer is no longer open to Davis, as money set aside for his wages has now been used to sign Ian McGuckin.
Smith has received further confirmation that Mark Watson will retire from international football in order to play for Oxford next season. If indeed Watson does sign, then there will be no further incoming players (except a replacement for Arendse) for now. Unless, of course, a club comes in for Powelly...
NEW PHYSIO
Denis has returned to former club, West Brom, to find a phsyiotherapist to replace John Clinkard. He has appointed Neil Reynolds, 26, who has been working as physio to the West Brom youth team.
FIXTURE CHANGE REVERSED
The match at Swansea has been returned to its original date of Saturday 11 November (3pm). This is because the Wales v South Africa rugby match scheduled for that day has been called off.
SHORT AGM
Oxford held a very short AGM last night. Fenton Higgins was reappointed as a director, and Critchleys confirmed as club accountants for another year. FK said that Morrells wanted a million pounds to lift the covenant should their appeal succeed. Oxford have requested a hearing for the appeal of July 18th, a day after the JR appeal is heard.
WORTHINGTON DRAW DATE
The date for the draw for the first round of the Worthington League
Cup is July 24.
COOK AND FOLLAND SIGNINGS CONFIRMED
Both Jamie Cook and Rob Folland have signed one year contracts to stay at Oxford. Apparently they were each offered the option of a two year deal, but preferred to sign for just the one year. I'm not sure what this indicates.
This leaves just Mark Watson to decide on whether to sign a new contract, although Steve Davis is yet to find a new club, and thus may yet re-sign for Oxford.
FIXTURE CHANGES
The following fixture changes have been announced by the club:
Two rival plans for redevelopment of the Manor, once Oxford have eventually moved from the ground, have been submitted. The first is from Nuffield Hospital Trust, who plan to move the Acland Hospital to the site. The other is from a housing development firm, Bellway, who plan to build 90 flats on the site. The Council's planning committee will discuss the various schemes within the next couple of months.
SWINDON AFTER NEWTON?
According to TeamTalk, Swindon are keen to sign Eddie Newton.
I thought he was in China, but there you go.
NEW SIGNING - IAN McGUCKIN
Thankfully TeamTalk's Jamie Campbell story (see below) appears to have been made up. Far more promising news is that highly-rated Fulham centre back, Ian McGuckin, has signed for Oxford today. Denis Smith has been following the 27 year old, 6'3" player for many years now, and in fact was watching him play for Hartlepool when his central defensive partner, one Phil Gilchrist, caught his eye instead. He is left-sided and should form a solid partnership with Mark Watson if the latter decides to sign his contract.
McGuckin was reported to have been left out of the Fulham first team last season after falling out with Paul Bracewell. He joins Oxford on a free transfer, having been released by Fulham earlier this month.
It is reported that Rob Folland and Jamie Cook will sign their contracts today, meaning that even an arch Denis sceptic like myself has to admit that he has made a good fist of this summer signing business.
HUTCHINGS APPOINTS SHOTTON
The new Bradford City manager has appointed Malcolm Shotton as his assistant. Given Bradford's recent tradition of appointment from within, this probably makes him next in line for the manager's job should it all go wrong for Hutchings. Shotton will doubtless now be pleased that he and his wife did not move down to Oxford from Yorkshire.
Shotton, who played together with Hutchings for Huddersfield, leaves his temporary job helping with Leeds' YTS scheme. He has been given a two year contract. Hutchings said of Shotton's appointment, "Malcolm's as hard as nails and has a great fighting spirit, which is what Bradford is all about." The move also reunites Shotton with Dean Windass.
WYCOMBE MATCH MOVED
Oxford's away match at Adams Park has been moved forward a day to the evening of Friday 8 September (7.45pm). Thanks go to Sky for making this fixture difficult to attend for those of us who try to hold down a job.
The match at Swindon is also likely to be moved as its October 7 date clashes with the England v Germany game at Wembley. Personally I feel they should reschedule the latter, but what do a few Football League fixtures count for these days?
CAMPBELL LINKED
TeamTalk are speculating that Brighton left back Jamie Campbell may be the man that Denis is talking about when he said he was having talks with "a big, left-sided centre-half who is commanding in the air". Let me just say that I saw Campbell play on quite a few occasions when he was at Cambridge, and not only is he a left back rather than a centre half, he is also not very good. "Commanding" is the last word I'd use to describe him. Let's hope TeamTalk have made this story up...
MARSH UNWANTED
According to TeamTalk (again), former Oxford left back, "John"
Marsh (Simon to his friends, I believe), is unwanted at Birmingham and
is available on a free transfer.
JOEY SIGNS TWO YEAR DEAL
The Oxford squad really is beginning to take a reasonable shape now that Joey Beauchamp has confirmed that he has signed a new two year deal. He had initially turned down the original one year deal offered to him, but decided to sign when the contract length was upped to two years. Joey admitted that Reading's contract had been financially tempting, but summed up his feeling for his home-town club, saying, "Money is not everything - I have never thought that way. If I thought that way I would have probably gone a long time ago."
Now if we can just get Rob Folland to put pen to paper...
WATSON LIKELY TO SIGN
Mark Watsons is expected to sign the improved contract with Oxford, according to his agent. Denis Smith confirmed, "According to Watson's agent, it's a done deal. We've made him a good offer but it means he'll have to forego his international career."
More news on the signature front is expected in the next few days, with
a new left-sided centre half also being lined up.
IMPROVED OFFER FOR WATSON
Oxford have offered Mark Watson an improved deal after the Canadian
defender had turned down the club's initial offer. Denis now expects Watson
to sign, although he still claims the contract is dependent on Watson not
being away regularly with the Canadian international side.
MORRELLS APPEAL
They waited until the last day available, but unsurprisingly Morrells decided yesterday to appeal against this month's High Court decision to lift their covenant on the area including Minchery Farm. Keep up the boycott!
JOEY TO SIGN?
Fox FM has reported Denis as saying that he expects Joey to sign on Monday the original one year contract offer that he had earlier rejected. I guess Reading were telling the truth...
SIMPSON RUMOUR REPEATED
Cast your minds back to June 9th. It was the day the High Court overturned the Morrells covenant. It was also the day that TeamTalk first reported that Oxford were interested in former Manor favourite, winger Paul Simpson. Now that his move to Northampton has broken down, TeamTalk have again linked Simmo with Oxford. Lazy reporting, or renewed interest? Take your pick.
UNFANCIED OXFORD
William Hill's latest second division title odds see Oxford (probably
realistically) as one of the least fancied teams in the division, listed
as 40-1 rank outsiders. Only Cambridge and Colchester are less fancied,
with Peterborough also at 40-1. Favourites are Wigan at 7-2 and Stoke at
11-2.
NEW SIGNING - MANNY OMOYINMI
Denis has made his second free transfer signing of the week, bringing in Emmanuel "Manny" Omoyinmi, West Ham's 22 year old pacy striker. He is best known for the controversy over his appearance for West Ham in a League Cup game last season, having already appeared on loan for Gillingham in an earlier round. He's said to be fairly lightweight, but to be honest we could do with anybody with some pace. Also he scored a fantastic goal for Gillingham at the Manor last season in what was overall a very impressive performance.
CLINKARD SWITCHES TO WIMBLEDON
Physio John Clinkard, who had announced a while back that he was leaving Oxford to set out on his own, has changed his plans to become physio at first division Wimbledon. He had started his own business, but will now switch back to the world of club football. He has insisted however on having weekends free to spend with his family, so will not be present for the Dons' Saturday matches.
WHELAN SIGNING CONFIRMED
Southend have now confirmed the signing of Phil Whelan on a three year contract, so officially he has now gone. Phew.
Alan Little, manager of Southend, said, "This is a very exciting signing for the Club." I guess he meant Oxford.
LUNDIN FINDS A CLUB
The Football Transfer
site reports that Pål
Lundin has joined Umeå, a Swedish Division One (North) club he
has played for earlier in his career. (I like the
photo they provide.) He made his first start for the club on Sunday
in a 1-1 draw with Mjällby AIF.
NEW SIGNING - JOHN ROBERTSON
Oxford have signed a replacement right-back - following Robbo's departure - namely 24 year old John Robertson of Ayr United. Apparently he is good friends with Neil McGowan, with whom he played at Stranraer, and this was a major factor in his coming south to join the U's.
He joined Ayr from Stranraer for £20,000 in 1997, after having been tipped for international honours (!) by his former coach at Stranraer. He apparently has played at both sweeper and right wing-back for Ayr, and can also play in the left-back spot. He was out-of-contract at the end of the season, and having just turned 24, he became available on a Bosman free transfer.
Unlike all our own out-of-contract players, Robertson has been given a three year deal. I wonder how the likes of Folland and Joey think about that!
PERRY IN TALKS
Admittedly we only have TeamTalk's word for it, but it appears that Aberdeen defender, Mark Perry (picture), is currently in talks with Oxford. Apparemtly Perry is also talking to Stockport County about a deal - as they are a division higher, we may well lose out. That is unless Denis' legendary managerial status has the desired effect.
Perry is 29 and spent ten years at Dundee United before joining Aberdeen in 1998. He is reported to be able to play in any of the positions in the back four, as well as in midfield. Another of those famous "utility" players, by the sound of it.
Here is the view of an Oxford fan based in Aberdeen. It's not promising...
I almost had a fit when I saw your headline 'Perry in Talks' - oh my God, not Mark Perry, that legendary Dons neo-fullback-cum-sub I thought. And alas, it was. Mark Perry is, as we say in these parts, 'a bit pish',Ceefax have also reported that Denis is to speak to a right back and a striker before the end of the week.
and hasn't played very much this season in a Dandies team that has shipped goals left, right and centre. I personally won't lose much sleep if he disappears up to Edgely Park. He is a gum-shield wearing tractor with burst tyres driving backwards through treacle. With the handbrake on.Please God, don't let it happen. But then, we did all suffer at thehands of Phil Whelan for half an eternity.
FIXTURES RELEASED
The full fixtire list for the 2000/1 season has been released, and are available at the Official Site. Oxford's first match is at home against newly promoted Peterborough United on August 12. We end with a difficult-sounding fixture at Meadow Lane on May 5. As is seemingly usual, we play Swindon away in October (when the Robins are usually in form) and then at home in March (when they usually aren't).
The fixture list also includes an August bank holiday trip to the wonderful
resort of ... Walsall. Boxing Day sees a home match against Bournemouth,
whilst Easter Monday features the match at home to Reading.
WHELAN DELAY
Contrary to reports, Phil Whelan has not yet in fact signed for Southend
United. However the signing we've all been celebrating should be finalised
today. Manager Alan Little commented, "Phil is a good, experienced player
who has played at a high level of football and should be an excellent addition
to the squad." Hmm.
TV CASH WINDFALL?
The new Football League TV deal, starting in the 2001/2 season, will
see each second division club handed £600,000 during each season
of the three year deal. First division clubs each get a ludicrously large
(in comparison) £3.3 million per season, whilst the poor relations
in the third get just £396,000 a season. Painted as redressing the
financial balance between the League and the Premiership, this deal seems
more likely simply to increase inequalities within the League itself. Most
of it will get sucked into player wages anyway...
WHELAN SIGNS FOR SOUTHEND
Good news. Phil Whelan has turned down the contract offered him and instead agreed to join Southend United. Either Southend are richer than I thought, or the amount we offered Whelan was commensurate with his talents. Either way, who cares? He's gone.
Whelan signed for the Shrimpers on Friday, and commented, "I spoke to the Southend manager and was impressed with his plans and his ambition for the club, and felt it was the right move for me at this crucial time in my career.
"I have enjoyed my three years at Oxford, and have made some good friends whilst here." Mainly opposition forwards, I suspect.
This announcement means that only Jon Shepheard has so far accepted a renewed contract. All the other out-of-contract players have either said no or asked for an improved offer.
CARDIFF RUMOURS...
The folk at TeamTalk report of interest from Cardiff in both Rob Folland and Jamie Cook. Both rejected Oxford's contract offers last week.
POWELL RUMOUR REPEATED
Charlton's interest in Paul Powell has reached the Evening Standard, which reported on Friday that the Addicks' failure to land Gary Rowett means a bid for Powell is on the cards. Meanwhile, Paul Jewell's imminent departure from Bradford may cool their interest in Powell.
EXTRA FRIENDLY ANNOUNCED
Oxford have announced an extra friendly date for the pre-season. They will play a Chelsea side shorn of all those players who have featured in Euro 2000 squads. That's most of the first team then. So it's Chelsea reserves at the Manor for just £10 on Friday 28 July.
As this is just a day before the fixture at Crawley Town, Oxford have kindly decided to send what is euphemistically termed an "Oxford United XI" - that means reserves again - to Crawley for the fixture. I would imagine that poor Crawley feel a little short-changed over this announcement, especially as the friendly officially formed part of the deal that took Ben Abbey to Oxford. I guess at least Abbey himself will probably play.
There is still a spare date for a home friendly on Saturday 5 August.
MORE CONTRACT UNCERTAINTY
Yet more contract news of the "undecided" variety, as Mark Watson has appealed for a better offer, whilst Phil Whelan has still not yet either accepted or rejected the club's offer, despite the deadline imposed by Denis Smith having passed yesterday.
Watson will be absent for large parts of next season to take part in Canada's qualification matches for the next World Cup, and this is thought to be the reason that Oxford have not offered him a particularly generous contract. I can't actually see much competition for his signature, as no other club will be particularly keen on a player who is likely to be away so often. He may yet sign for us.
As for Whelan, let's hope he's ripped up the offer and gone somewhere
else. Please.
PARDEW - JOEY NOT OFFERED CONTRACT
Thanks to Les Warner for news from the local papers in Reading. Last night's Chronicle reported that Alan Pardew is angry that Joey Beauchamp appears to be using interest from Reading to improve his contract offer at Oxford. The paper reports Pardew as saying, "Joey says he's had an offer from us. I find that extremely difficult to believe. There is no offer on the table for him to hold against Oxford, it's as simple as that."
Pardew did admit that he had talked to Beauchamp, though, but it seems Reading will not be pursuing their interest, as Joey quite obviously wants to play only for Oxford. Pardew commented, "I won't lie and say I didn't speak to him - as I did - but his heart is at Oxford so there was no firm offer made. I didn't feel he was going to have the strength to get us in the promotion race and I only want people who want to win this league and play for Reading and I didn't get that feeling from him so I've no interest in him now. He's a considerable talent but he was only ever going to sign for Oxford and there's no point in trying to get him if his heart's not in it."
DENIS LINKED WITH GILLINGHAM
Denis Smith has dismissed as spurious reports that are linking him with the vacant managerial post at Gillingham. He did show that he was keeping tabs on all the current managerial vacancies, though, stating, "I haven't even thought about the Gillingham job, but there are a few around, not just at Gillingham - there's Wigan, Notts County and Bristol City as well."
He did leave us in no doubt that he is still much in demand, though, modestly letting it be known that interest in him is high. Or something. "I can't say that agents haven't approached me about some positions." Kevin Keegan, watch out...
Smith emphasised, though, that his immediate future was with Oxford.
"I'm in the area, I like the club, I'm not going to walk away. I do feel
like I'm banging my head against a brick wall sometimes, but I want to
do a good job here at Oxford."
INCONSISTENCY...
Many Oxford fans are wondering at the inconsistency of Firoz Kassam allowing new signing Richard Knight a three year contract (something everyone is pleased about), but only offering those players who have already given the club service a maximum of one year. If this results in the likes of Rob Folland and Joey Beauchamp departing, then serious questions must be asked about the way the club is being run. For now we can but wait and see.
JOEY OFFER MAY BE WITHDRAWN
Denis Smith has claimed that the contract offer to Joey may have been withdrawn by the time he returns from holiday, meaning that he would be forced to leave the club. Denis said, "After spending all of this week and last week talking to him, I thought everything was sorted out. But I've told him the offer might not still be there when he comes back. What this does is release a bit of money for me, as it does with the other players who have turned down their offers. It's just that in Joey's case, it releases the most money for me. At the end of this week, I've got the freedom to do what I want."
AIRDRIE CRISIS
Airdrie, currently in liquidation, have been forced to release all but
three of their first team squad, plus six members of the backroom staff.
Twenty-seven players have been given free transfers as a result of the
liquidators' orders. Former Scotland international, Steve Archibald, is
currently trying to mount a takeover of the first division club, but there
seems no guarantee that his bid will be successful. See the Diamonds
Direct Action website for details.
STILL NO NEWS ON JOEY
There is still no news on whether Joey has signed a new contract, but the Oxford Mail reports that he is apparently keen only on a two year deal. Firoz Kassam has offered players only one year deals until he knows the outcome of the Judicial Review in July.
Joey will no longer be making a decision before his holiday, so we shall have to wait awhile for further developments.
FOLLAND AND COOK REJECT DEALS
Scary developments today in that Rob Folland and Jamie Cook have each turned down the contracts offered to them by Oxford. This is especially worrying in the case of Folland, as he looks to have the potential to turn into an excellent player. Jamie Cook has indicated that he has turned down the deal because the wags offered are not high enough. He says he would sign if there was an increase in the pay offered.
DENIS LINES UP REPLACEMENT
Denis Smith claims already to have a replacement for Robbo in mind. He said, "I think I've got a right back and a striker lined up, and it's possible that one of the ones I will bring in will do me a good job as skipper."
MANSFIELD UNVEIL ROBBO
Mansfield Town yesterday unveiled the signing of Les Robinson on a free transfer. Robbo seemed pleased to return to his local club (which he chose ahead of Lincoln City and a one year contract offer from Oxford). He said, "Billy Dearden [Mansfield manager] sold the club to me. I've known him a long time and I know he likes to play good football. I want to use my experience to help the young lads through."
He said of leaving Oxford after over ten years, "When you've been somewhere for so long it's natural that moving away is hard, but I feel the time is right, especially with my son Liam ready to begin Comprehensive Schooling in September, to get back to the area.
"We were all only offered one-year contracts, until Mr Kassam gets the go-ahead for the new stadium, and that was disappointing. Had Oxford offered me two years, even at reduced terms, I would have stayed because it would have taken me to 35 and my Football League pension. I'm Oxford through and through and it's a massive wrench to leave because I feel Banbury's my home. I got on with most of the fans and loved the place. Obviously the gaffer's hands were tied but I've got to look after my family and my kids. But I've done my ten years so I think I deserve a testimonial. I'd be very disappointed if I didn't get one."
Dearden said of his new signing, "He's experienced and a good leader. He'll be a great asset. I'm over the moon he has joined and he's the natural leader we missed last season." A good and natural leader? He obviously hasn't seen Captain Robbo in action too often.
Dearden continued, "Last season we never came from behind to win a match. But if we go behind next season, you can be sure Les will make sure one or two players will pull their weight a bit more and get us a result. He’s a great asset to our dressing room.” How often did Oxford come from behind to win a match last season?
The move came about as a result of a conversation Robbo had with Dearden after a Gareth Price testimonial match at Field Mill, in which Robbo played last season.
PROBLEMS IN GREENOCK
A week or so ago I received the following mail from a Greenock Morton fan (sorry, Alan, that it took so long to remember to place this on the site) :
Sorry to hijack your contributions page, (Oh, Congrats on staying up) but as Greenock Morton fan I just wanted to pass on my best wishes to Derek Lilley, who while on holiday in Florida was held with his young family,at gun point and robbed. He was a hero for us up here and many of us have followed his career since leaving us to go to Leeds. Don't let those tossers at St Johnstone get Lilley for a mere 60k. He was and is still a very underrated player and we sold him for 300k! So if you can pass on to him via the club" best wishes from Greenock" I would be grateful .Anyway good luck with your "FOUL". ,Having read your web site it would seem a lot of what is happening to your club is very familiar and spare a thought for us . Three years ago we were playing in front of 12500 fans on the last day of the season missing out on promotion to the Premier league by goal difference. Now with a new chairman we have no ground no respect a boycott and two Parliamentary motions to remove a business man who wants to "kill the club and develop the land"
Read on if you want,................. http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/1178/morton.html
Cheers all the best,
Alan
Morton Fan ( good luck to the U's next season)
FOUL PRESS RELEASE
FOUL says "The boycott remains!"MANSFIELD TO ANNOUNCE ROBBO SIGNINGOxford United supporters organisation FOUL (Fighting for Oxford United's Life) has stated that it will continue its boycott of Morrells of Oxford pubs, despite the High Court overturning the former brewery's request for an injunction preventing sale of alcohol at the club's new stadium.
Whilst welcoming the decision of the judge, a FOUL spokesman said "This issue isn't over just yet. Morrells have been given fourteen days in which to appeal and our boycott will stay in place until we know their decision. If they do appeal then obviously our boycott will continue until the case is heard again, and indefinitely should they win their appeal."
The injunction was sought on the basis of a 1962 covenant on the Blackbird pub in Blackbird Leys, preventing other outlets on Council-owned land selling alcohol. Oxford United's new stadium, including a conference centre, hotel and leisure complex, would need an alcohol license in order to be financially viable and so FOUL saw the Morrells' injunction as threatening the entire development.
The spokesman continued: "The champagne is still on ice. It will be opened when United plays its first game at Minchery Farm, but before then there are still a number of obstacles which need to be removed. The Morrells injunction will hopefully be the first of these, and let's hope that it's swiftly followed by the Judicial Review. We remain optimistic that United will be playing its first game of the 2001 season in the new ground."
Mansfield Town have called a press conference for 11am today to announce their signing of Les Robinson on a Bosman-free from Oxford. Robbo, 33, will sign a two year contract - which includes a coaching role - with the Stags, for whom he played a dozen or so games early in his career. Robbo was rumoured to have bought a house in Mansfield as early as the beginning of last season, so this move has always been on the cards. He made 384 league appearances for Oxford, a total beaten only by a handful of players.
JOEY ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY
Joey is today expected to announce whether he is to join Reading, who have offered him a three year deal, or stay with Oxford. Noises coming from the Manor appear to be rather more positive about his staying than they were a week or so ago.
Alan Pardew, Reading's boss, is pessimistic about his side's chances
of signing Joey, saying, "It's very unlikely he'll be coming here, for
a few reasons. It's not about money - because if it was he would be joining
us."
GOODBYE ROBBO!
After ten years with the U's, Les Robinson has announced that he is returning to his first club, Mansfield Town. Both Oxford and Mansfield had offered Robbo contracts, but it seems that the extra year on Mansfield's deal has convinced Robbo that his time at Oxford should end. Most fans will breathe a sigh of relief that the once reliable Robinson should not have a third season of copybook blotting at the Manor.
Hopefully he will be given a testimonial at some point next season. A glory fixture for Oxford against Mansfield at the Manor perhaps!?
CHARLTON JOIN POWELL RACE
Charlton Athletic have become the third Premiership club to express an interest in U's winger-cum-left back, Paul Powell. Bradford and Newcastle have been monitoring Powell's progress for a few months now, although indications are that the Tyneside club's interest has lessened in recent weeks.
JOEY TO DECIDE
Joey Beauchamp is reported to have said that he will decide between Reading and Oxford before he goes on holiday on Wednesday. It is believed that the Royals have offered him the better deal, but local loyalty means that Joey is having a hard time making up his mind.
All other players offered new contracts have been given a deadline of the end of this week to make up their minds.
ARENSDE O.G.
Andre Arendse continued his woeful form in South Africa's final match
of the US Cup 2000 friendly tournament last night. Arendse scored an own
goal (although some credit it to McPhail) as Eire
beat SA 2-1 in New Jersey last night.
MORRELLS COVENANT LIFTED
The High Court today overturned the covenant that prevented any non-Morrells alcohol being sold in an area which includes Minchery Farm. The Court also ordered Morrells to pay all costs of the hearing. Morrells have 14 days to submit an appeal against the decision.
The covenant would have prevented FK from selling alcohol at any of the planned leisure facilities (including the football ground, and most importantly the hotel) at Minchery Farm, and thus placed the entire scheme in jeopardy. Unsurpisingly, FK was very pleased with this High Court verdict. "I am absolutely delighted with the Judges' verdict. This removes one of the important obstacles in our way. I hope this is a good omen for the forthcoming Judicial Review of the granting of planning consent for the proposed multiplex cinema."
ROBINS + POWELL RUMOURS
There are only rumours masquerading as news so far today.
One rumour is that striker Mark Robins (30), once of Man Utd and Norwich, and now available on a Bosman-free after his contract at Walsall expired, is having talks with Denis. He scored six goals in thirty league starts for the Saddlers last season. Not exactly prolific, but Walsall were a struggling team, and he is likely to be better than the Bus. I still prefer the sound of Steve Slade though.
Another rumour is that Paul Powell will not be moving to Newcastle after all. (Judging by the local papers in Geordieland, they have lost interest in him anyway.)
A third rumour, propagated by those rumour-meisters at TeamTalk is that Oxford are trying to attract former star winger Paul Simpson back to the Manor. This is reported by the Wolverhampton Express and Star too. Despite having a year left on his contract at Wolves, Simpson has been told he can leave on a free if he so desires. Reading have also been linked with him - they seem to be linked with every player everywhere. According to the Opta news page, Denis has actually made enquiries about Simpson, so this rumour's growing...
JOEY MAY STAY
Denis Smith is sounding more optimistic about convincing Joey Beauchamp to stay at the Manor. Reading have apparently offered him a massive pay-rise to play for them. Joey is apparently keen to stay (how surprising), but would like Oxford to come closer to Reading's offer. Denis said, "I think we've got a deal going. I must have spoken to Joey more this week than in all my time here. I'm sure he wants to stay really ? if I pay him what he wants me to pay him."
BUS FIT FOR BARBADOS
Regarding the story about the Bus potentially being called up by Barbados, the move is put into perspective by the following mail I received from Neil Harding:
As an interesting postscript to the 'Bus for Barbados' story. On the Big Breakfast this morning Johnny was interviewing the latest addition to the team. It was some regular joe from the UK ( a postman or something) who had managed to land himself a place in the team after a beach kick about while on holiday there recently. His only footballing experience being that he regularly turned out for his local pub's Sunday side. It seem the Bus has finally found the correct level!
MORE STRIKER TALKS
Denis has said on the radio that he is talking to a striker in his mid-twenties (that's years sadly, not goals last season) today. This could well be Steve Slade. He also said he'd sign anyone who can score goals, whether they're 15 or 35. Well, there's a young lad named Dave Leworthy at Kingstonian...
BYFIELD - IT WAS OXFORD v WALSALL
Darren Byfield confirmed that Oxford had made an approach to sign him, but the closeness of the West Midlands club to his home swung it for the young striker. "The deals were the same, it was the same money and the same number of years. What swayed it is that Walsall are only just around the corner for me," said Byfield.
It appears Denis went into full bullshit mode with Byfield though. After their meeting, Byfield came out with the kind of high opinion of Denis that is normally associated only with Denis himself. "I thought Denis Smith was brilliant. I was looking forward to playing for him because I know he worked with Andy Cole and Lee Hughes and helped make them tremendous goalscorers." Yes, and both Bristol City and West Brom sacked him for his efforts, Darren. I guess he didn't tell you that...
Mind you, Byfield had even more praise for Walsall manager, Ray Graydon. He said, "I chose Walsall for one reason - Ray Graydon. I was impressed with him right from the start. He has got a great reputation and I really believe that he can get the best out of me." So maybe he wasnt all that impressed with Denis after all.
[But note the two sentences in bold type above - they're not exactly in agreement are they? Young Byfield seems to be giving different reasons to different parties.]
Denis confirmed that Byfield had been his number one target, saying, "I wanted to get an answer from Darren before I went back to anyone else and I've got that answer now, but unfortunately it's not the one I was hoping for."
ARENDSE LETS IN FOUR AGAIN
In the set of glorified friendlies known as US Cup 2000, South Africa
- with Andre Arendse in goal - let in 4 goals for the second match running.
Mexico beat them 4-2 just days after the USA has inflicted a 4-0 defeat
on Bafana Bafana. South Africa end the round-robin tournament with a match
against Eire on Sunday.
SLADE OFFER?
According to TeamTalk, Oxford have made an offer to QPR's released striker, Steve Slade. Barnet and Leyton Orient are the competition for the former England U21 man. Slade, now 24, has had an unproductive time at QPR since joining them from Spurs, with many more apperances as substitute than in the starting line-up - reminiscent of Matt Murphy's early years at Oxford, in fact.
BYFIELD JOINS WALSALL
Latest news is that Darren Byfield has snubbed Oxford, QPR and Northampton and opted to join Oxford's second division rivals Walsall.
Earlier : Radio Oxford has now reported the rumour that Oxford are chasing Aston Villa's 23 year-old pacy striker, Darren Byfield. The player was freed by Villa last month, despite having a year left on his contract. He has been linked with Northampton and Blackpool, bith places where he was on loan last season. Byfield was pleased with his release, saying, "The manager has been fair with me and he has given me a chance to rebuild my career. He has let me go for nothing, which is brilliant. I know that I can do a good job for a team."
DATE FOR FIXTURES
Fixtures for next season will be announced on Thursday 22 June, with
the draw for the first round of the League Cup a day earlier.
DAVIS LEAVES, SHEPHEARD STAYS
Steve Davis has informed Denis Smith (in writing) that he will not be accepting the contract offered him by Oxford. To be honest, it seemed that Davis was always interested in some sort of coaching role (which was practically promised by Shotton), and with Fordy's arrival on the scene, opportunities will be limited at Oxford. As a player, Davis could shine at times - mainly through experience - but his lack of pace was becoming a major liability, and his resulting professional fouls becoming increasingly embarrassing. He also spent more than his fair share of time in the treatment room, and with his 35th birthday next month, I personally won't shed too many tears over Davis' departure. (What's more - he still commutes from Cheshire!!)
John Shepheard, meanwhile, has accepted Oxford's contract offer. This was always going to be a likely event, as there was hardly likely to be a flood of offers from other clubs for such an untested 19 year old. Hopefully he will fulfill his promise, although I have not yet been completely convinced by his few first team displays.
JOEY AND ROBBO ASK FOR MORE
The news on Davis and Shepheard leaves six players still to decide on the contracts offered by Oxford. Of these, Denis has spoken to Joey and Robbo, and both are reportedly keen on improving the terms of the new contracts. Denis commented, "There is not a great deal that I can do. We have got financial restrictions and I am trying to work as best as I can under those restrictions."
The remaining four players are Cook, Folland, Watson and Whelan.
STRIKER TALKS
According to BBC local radio, Denis is currently trying to sign a striker, and is in talks with three at the moment. One is apparently described as being "probably too expensive for us". Last month Denis claimed that he had all but sealed a deal with a striker.
One of the strikers is being pursued by other clubs, and he will get back to Denis this week after talking to these others. Denis said, "If it is not him, then there are a couple of others."
OXFORD MISS OUT ON THOMAS
Apparently Oxford were keen to sign Torquay centre-half Wayne Thomas, but were priced out of the market. Stoke signed the 21 year-old this weekend for £200,000, not the sort of money Oxford have at their disposal.
BUS CALL-UP
There is a story in the Oxford Mail that Steve Anthrobus is to be called up by Barbados, as he has a Barbadian parent. I suppose someone had to rate him.
CONFERENCE SIDES FOR SHIELD?
Talks are ongoing to allow top Conference sides to compete in next season's
Auto Windscreen Shield. Plans still to be ratified by the FA would see
seven Conference sides allowed into the competition, namely the six highest
non-promoted sides, the club relegated from the League, and the winners
of the Conference's cup competition.
READING SIGN VIVEASH
Former Walsall left-sided central defender, Adi Viveash, has signed a three year deal with Reading. Viveash (30) had been linked with Oxford (although possibly only by the less-than-always-believable TeamTalk) and a host of other clubs, but he has elected to sign for the Royals on a Bosman-free.
FORDY'S YOUTH ROLE
Mike Ford has been confirmed as Oxford's new youth-team coach. He will
also have some responsibility for the reserves, and possibly even a small
first team coaching role. Fordy takes over from Mickey Lewis, who had been
combining youth team duties with acting as assistant to Denis Smith. Les
Taylor remains as youth development officer.
WEEKEND NEWS IN BRIEF
KNIGHT SIGNS!
Richard Knight has signed a three year contract with Oxford after taking a day to think the offer over. Oxford faced apparent competition from other clubs (notably Swindon) for Knight's signature, but it seems that his successful loan spell last season, plus his popularity with the fans, helped to make his decision. Port Vale, Cambridge, Plymouth and Cardiff had all expressed interest in Knight.
20 year-old Knight said the decision was fairly easy for him. "I was down here for three months and got on well with the lads, the management and everyone. So once the deal was right for me, the only place I really wanted to come was here".
MORE LILLEY DETAILS
Poor old Derek Lilley - apparently it wasn't just he who was held up at gunpoint in Florida, but his son as well. Derek had to hand over some of his hard-earned salary to get the gunman to depart his Florida hotel room. Denis commented, "Derek reacted in the right manner, gave the people his money and got his family out safe which is the important thing. He has been an excellent pro since I have returned and he has shown again common sense in his actions".
Denis also denied that there had been any bids for Lilley from St Johnstone or any other club.
TEAMTALK'S VIVEASH LATEST
TeamTalk's daily Adrian Viveash rumour has now (for the first time)
omitted Oxford from the list of clubs who are getting into a "frenzy" over
the player's signature. The latest list is Northampton, Reading (confirmed
by the Reading Chronicle and Radio Berkshire), Stoke and Swindon.
MORRELLS PROTEST
Morrells of Oxford (not of course actually of Oxford any more) have made few friends recently, with their moves against their tenants and accusations of asset-stripping. Their covenant (preventing the sale of any alcohol but their own) around Blackbird Leys is causing more than a few problems for Oxford United, and also - it seems - for the residents of Greater Leys. These residents are protesting next Wednesday against the covenant, which prevents the new estate having a local pub or shop. The protest will be outside the old brewery in St Thomas Street. I'm sure Oxford fans won't need to much encouragement to attend.
CAMRA's 2000 edition of their beer guide has the following to say about the new Morrells owners : "Morrells of Oxford closed because the trustees who controlled most of the shares in the family-owned brewery wanted to make themselves seriously rich rather than running the city's historic brewery."
KNIGHT MAY SIGN TODAY
Despite interest from other clubs (notably local rivals Swindon), Denis - now back from holiday in Malta - expects Richard Knight to sign for Oxford today. Denis will attempt to thrash out the details of the deal with Knight and his agent today. "I think I've done a deal and it's hopefully just a case of dotting the i's and crossing the t's," said Denis.
FOLLAND UNUSED
Rob Folland spent the entire match on the bench as Wales U21 lost 1-0 to Scotland U21 last night.
LEICESTER UNAVAILABLE
Oxford approached Leicester City in the hope of playing Premiership opposition in the final friendly match on August 5. However Leicester are apparently "unavailable" (a term as euphemistic as Andy Cole's supposed "injury"). This means Oxford will probably have to look for Football League opponents to fill the fixture.
LILLEY HELD UP
Derek Lilley was apparently held at gunpoint whilst on holiday in Florida. But their born hard in Paisley (according to Malcolm Shotton at least), so it shouldn't have bothered him too much.
THE PRICE IS RIGHT
Unsurprisingly Oxford do not feature highly in the betting odds for
Division Two next season. At both William Hill and Surrey, they form part
of the "bar" section with odds higher than 25-1 against their winning the
title next season. Beaten play-off finalists Wigan are favourites with
both bookies, whilst Stoke, Millwall and (perhaps surprisingly) Reading
are also amongst the chosen contenders.
