THE END OF SMITH
(OXFORD
0 BRISTOL CITY 1)
If Denis Smith isn't relieved of his duties this week, then the almost certain defeat at the County Ground next Sunday should do for him. A hundred or so fans stuck around after the match to voice their anger at the continuing tactical ineptitude and general malaise on the playing field.
Oxford were in fact considerably better than at Millwall last week - in truth it could hardly have been otherwise - and they probably deserved to share the points with a Bristol City side which sat on a one goal lead, and whose defence appeared to rock every time one of our no-brain attacks went anywhere near their penalty area. Typically though, Oxford couldn't score, despite having a greater number of chances than City.
Mike Ford was by no means the worst performer on view - now that Anthrobus and Murphy have been dropped, that honour falls to Paul Tait - but I bet that come tomorrow he's the sorest. His heart is willing, but I fear for his body. Ford in fact started instead of Neil McGowan, who wasn't injured, which made the decision to resurrect his career all the stranger.
SMITH EYES VENEZUELAN
Rage Online reports that the Oxford Mail reports that Smith was watching
Venezuelan international, Giovanni Savarese, who scored for QPR reserves
in midweek. [source = Rage
Online]
BRISTOL CITY PREVIEW
Bottom against second bottom. Just two seasons ago these two teams were relegated from the first division now they are becoming de facto favourites for the drop into the third. Oxford really have to win this one. Anything less and surely Denis will have to fall on his sword.
Oxford's line-up will reportedly be much changed from the one that got hammered at Millwall. Dean Whitehead is to return to the midfield, and Leon Mike will start up front. Said Denis, "Leon Mike will play. I've got to start with someobody who looks as though he'll score goals." That says it all really.
[source = Oxford Mail]
FORDY SIGNS FORMS
It may yet happen that Mike Ford makes a reappearance in the Oxford first team. He has signed non-contract forms, which seems to indicate that the club are at least serious about the possibility of his playing. Denis said, "I have decided to register him and I will make a decision on Saturday." This really is the stuff of bad dreams now - Fordy has himself admitted he is not fit enough to play. Denis went on, "It will not be a long-term thing." Well, thank goodness for small mercies. [source = Official Site]
CLUTCHING AT STRAWS
"Men with hard hats seen at Minchery Farm". Supposedly. That's about
as close as we get to concrete news about a restart these days...
[source = OUFC forum]
HOW DESPERATE ARE WE?
According to the Oxford Mail, Mike Ford may make a return to the first team on Saturday, filling in as a left-sided central defender. Ford played in the reserve defeat against Norwich on Tuesday, and Denis Smith commented, "I wanted to have a look at Mike and see what his fitness was like. He gives experience and he can organise the defence so we'll just have to see how he recovers. His use of ball was excellent on Tuesday."
I suspect it may be a non-story though, since Ford himself commented, "I'm half a stone overweight and am nowhere near fit enough to play in a run of consecutive matches. When I had a scan on my back in January it showed that there were big problems and they would get worse if I continued playing so I decided I'd had enough of getting fit, then injured, then trying to get fit again."
So perhaps the Oxford Mail is trying to find a story where there is none!
[source = Oxford Mail]
POWELL RECOVERING WELL
Paul Powell is responding well to treatment for his knee ligament injury, and could be back in action by the start of November, despite having originally been ruled out until Christmas. I just hope they don't rush him back more quickly than is really good for him. [source = Oxford Mail]
THE SEARCH GOES ON...
One of the matches that Denis attended yesterday was reportedly the
reserve match between Barnet and QPR, which finished 3-1 to QPR. Anybody
know of any out-of-favour left-sided central defenders playing for either
of these clubs? [source = Rage
Online]
SMITH SEEKS PLAYERS
Denis Smith is continuing his search for new players, after confirming that Guy Whittingham is indeed one of many players in whom he has expressed an interest. Smith's priority, though, is a left-sided centre back to replace Ian McGuckin. The knee injury he received at Millwall could keep him out for some time. Apparently, Smith is working so hard to find players that he is set to watch two matches today in order to keep track of potential targets. [source = Oxford Mail]
LEWIS TO PLAY FOR BANBURY
Mickey Lewis is to play part-time for Banbury United, when his Oxford coaching duties allow. Judging by the amount of coaching required at Oxford, I doubt he'll have much free time to spend playing for the Southern League side. [source = OUFC forum / Rage Online]
ANOTHER LOSS FOR RESERVES
The reserves lost yet again last night, going down 3-2 to Norwich at
the Manor. Leon Mike and Simon Weatherstone got the goals for the U's.
[source = OUFC forum]
INJURY UPDATE
Ian McGuckin, who Denis has admitted has been playing whilst not fully fit ("...he's got the right character and the right approach, but he's not fit and he's got to deal with that..."), injured his knee in the first half against Millwall and has missed training so far this week..
Meanwhile, Jon Shepheard is back in training after his injury problems, and will most likely replace McGuckin as left-sided centre back if the latter is not fit for the match against Bristol City on Saturday.
[source = Oxford Mail]
RESERVES IN ACTION AGAIN
Practically the only side in the country with as bad a record as the
Oxford first team, namely Oxford reserves, make yet another attempt to
win their first game since November. They take on Norwich at the Manor
tonight, kick-off 7.30pm. Several first team players may feature in a bid
to help them remember how to play the game. [source = Oxford
Mail]
WORST EVER
(MILLWALL 5 OXFORD 0)
I have watched Oxford lose 7-0 at Sunderland, 7-1 at home to Birmingham, and lose various other games with similar scorelines, but I do believe that this match was the worst performance by an Oxford side that I have ever witnessed firsthand. "Oxford can hardly play worse than in their capitulation in this fixture at the end of last season", I wrote on Friday. Doh! It was indeed a case of famous last words.
The match was played out in a highly surreal atmosphere - as soon as the first, completely undefended, Millwall goal went in after about three minutes, most of the crowd realised that Oxford were producing a comedy performance. Instead of despair and depression in the away stand, there was an atmosphere of almost ludicrous hilarity. Chants of "We all live in a Russian submarine" almost rivalled the "Smith Out" chants. I've never yet witnessed an Oxford crowd bay for the manager's head so loudly.
The match itself? It drifted by as though it were a drug-induced hallucination. Harris got a hat-trick, on-loan Parkin got a couple on his debut. Oxford didn't string two consecutive passes together at any stage. Leon Mike made his debut at half-time and quickly got subsumed into the general display of ineptitude. Denis Smith did his usual awayday special of substituting both strikers when the side was losing.
The crowd invited Denis Smith to come to talk to us once more (remember Brentford?) He turned down the invitation. It was not hard to see why. He did comment afterwards - "We were the architects of their own downfall." Well done...
WHITTINGHAM TO JOIN?
TeamTalk (sometimes right, often wrong) are reporting that Oxford are in talks with former Portsmouth and Villa striker, Guy Whittingham, now 35, after his short term loan deal at Peterborough came to an end this week. Peterborough will not be renewing Whittingham's loan contract, and he was left out of their match last weekend. If he is still anything like as prolific as he was in his heyday, then Whittingham would be more than useful at Oxford, though the lack of any midfield creativity may bother him. He has literally reached pensionable age though, so his powers may well be on the wane. [source = TeamTalk]
There seems to be a likelihood of this rumour being true, since it has also been reported in the local Peterborough paper, which reported it as, "Loan striker Guy Whittingham was released by Fry before the Wycombe match so he could hold transfer talks with Oxford United." There could apparently be a problem with his wages. Portsmouth were supplementing his wages whilst he was at Peterborough, who could not afford to pay him the full amount.
[source = TeamTalk / Peterborough Evening Telegraph/ OUFC forum]
NO PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY
The rumoured press conference - most likely to announce the stadium restart - supposedly scheduled for this afternoon will not be taking place. Another hitch, apparently.
JARMAN AGREES DEAL
Lee Jarman has agreed to a one year deal with Oxford after his monthly
contract expired. Denis Smith commented, "The lad can play, it's as simple
as that. He can play a variety of positions - right back, on either side
in central defence, midfield, and I've even thought about playing him up
front." [source = Planet
Football]
MILLWALL PREVIEW
The fact that on-loan Leon Mike played just one half of the reserve match on Wednesday is a good indication that he will take part in tomorrow's match at the New Den. He is looking froward to the trip to the New Den, saying "I've heard things about that place." He will probably start the match, with a bit of luck replacing Steve Anthrobus up front. Oxford can hardly play worse than in their capitulation in this fixture at the end of last season. Or is that a case of famous last words?
Millwall are currently managerless, having sacked their joint managers last weekend, but with former Oxford non-employee, Ray Harford, in temporary charge, they got an excellent 2-0 win at Ipswich in the League Cup. Paul Moody is likely to return to Millwall's squad for this one (oh dear...), and he could partner the prolific Neil Harris up front.
[source = Oxford
Mail / Millwall Online]
RESERVES DRAW
Oxford reserves drew 1-1 with Bournemouth last night, with youngster Jamie Brooks getting the Oxford goal. Leon Mike played in Oxford colours for the first time, and impressed, helping to create the goal. Simon Weatherstone was sent off for fighting with a Bournemouth player (also dismissed), whilst Ross Weatherstone made his comeback from injury. It will be interesting to see what happens when the latter returns to the first team squad. Protest time?
Denis Smith was complmentary of Mike's performance, saying, "He did well out there tonight. He looked dangerous, was only denied a goal by a good save from the keeper and his use of ball was excellent. I've got to be honest, I know nothing about him except for what Joe has told me. He says he's quick, strong and loves getting in the box and scoring goals."
[source = Rage Online / Oxford Mail]
TARGET WAS BEDEAU
Apparently the striker Smith tried but failed to sign was Torquay's
Tony Bedeau. Since Sunderland are the other club showing an interest, it
is unsurprising that we seem to have missed out on Bedeau. Torquay chairman,
Mike Bateson, confirmed on Tuesday that Torquay had rejected a £200,000
bid for Bedeau from a "Football League Club", now believed to have been
Oxford. Torquay are thought to want closer to £500,000 for the 21
year old. Bedeau returns to Torquay today after a week spent training with
Sunderland, who will shortly decide whether they wish to sign him. [source
= Rage Online/
Torquay
United official site]
MIKE JOINS OXFORD ON LOAN
Young Manchester City striker, Leon Mike, has joined Oxford on a month's loan. An anonymous source tipped me off about Mike last Friday, so I'm glad it was proved correct! Manchester City hold out great hope for Mike, 19, who graduated through the FA School of Excellence, and see the loan as a chance for him "to gain valuable experience". He is said to be powerfully built with good ball skills. [source = Manchester City official site]
STRIKER BID
Denis Smith has reportedly been given a "six figure" sum to spend, and has put in a bid for a striker, identity as yet unknown. Rage Online speculates that it may be Barnsley's Bruce Dyer, currently transfer listed, but still playing (and scoring a goal last night) for the Tykes. [source = OUFC forum / Rage Online]
Latest news is that the above bid for the striker has fallen through. Denis has been asked by the selling club not to reveal who the player is ("I can't say who he was at the moment because they have asked me to keep it quiet because it looks as if he will go somewhere else"), but no doubt his identity will leak out at some point.
Denis was disappointed to fail in his bid, claiming that he was probably too late, and that the player will almost certainly be sold to another club instead. He is now looking to bring in a stiker on loan before Saturday's match at Millwall.
And Denis revealed that his ambitions for his strikers are not all that high - "From ten games, you'd expect our strikers to have at least two goals to their name by now."
[source = Oxford Mail]
RESERVES PLAY BOURNEMOUTH
The reserves are in action against Bournemouth at the Manor tonight,
attempting to get their first win in nearly a year. New loan striker, Leon
Mike, will play in the match.
ALL STILL QUIET
Firoz Kassam has denied that there was any truth in yesterday's Oxford Mail piece about expected activity down at the Farm yesterday. No contract has even yet been signed between Kassam and Barr Construction, so rumours of imminent building work are very wide of the mark. Kassam recently commented, "As soon as I know the date, I'll let people know." So we'll just have to keep on waiting... [source = OUFC forum / Oxford Mail]
OLDHAM SIGN WATSON
Mark Watson has finally found himself a club, following a summer in which he and Oxford fell out over his international duties. Watson has had a short trial at Oldham, and has now signed a full-time contract with the Lancashire club. International duties are no longer thought to be an issue, since Canada have now all but been eliminated from the World Cup qualifiers. Watson had earlier had an unsuccessful trial with Wolves, and a rumoured move to DC United in the USA had proved unfounded. [source = Oxford Mail]
NO ABBEY FOR CITY
Oxford City have made a bid to take Ben Abbey on loan - the striker's
current loan deal with Aldershot Town expires at the weekend. But it seems
Abbey is not keen on the move, with Denis Smith saying, "He's going to
come back here and he's determined to fight for a place." [source
= Oxford
Mail]
"SOMETHING" TO HAPPEN TODAY?
It has been reported that "something" is to happen down at Minchery Farm today. Fans who take this as a definite indication that Barr Construction will finally get the building of the stadium underway are probably a tad hopeful though. Workers for the construction company are supposedly due on site today. I'll be more optimistic when I can actually report on something having happened. [source = Oxford Mail]
SMITH v KASSAM?
Teletext report that Denis Smith has had a bit of a go at Firoz Kassam about lack of money for signings. He apparently cites the case of two young players he was after in the summer, who were signed by other clubs for a total of £400,000 (quite a lot of money really - where does he get the idea we can afford this?) One of these players is thought to be Wayne Thomas, a young defender who moved from Torquay to Stoke for £200,000 in June. [source = OUFC forum / Teletext]
Smith also disagreed with the fans over the continued barracking of Steve Anthrobus. He said, "I know the fans weren't particularly happy with Steve Anthrobus, but he did tremendously well for me. At all the set plays he did well, and people don't realise that's an important part as well. It was a workmanlike performance. We've looked more attractive at times this season - but we won today. I said to the players that I wasn't bothered how we played, how attractive it was. I just wanted three points and we got those."
[source = Oxford
Mail]
SMITH DEFIANT AFTER FIRST WIN
(OXFORD 1 BURY 0)
At long last! At the eighth time of asking, Oxford finally register three points this season. Typically I managed to miss the occasion - my partner's attack of illness coincided mysteriously with the prospect of yet another sparkling match against Bury, meaning I missed a home game for the first time in over a season. An afternoon of Ceefax ensued, but judging by some reports of the game it was better watched on Ceefax. Certainly the winner could not have been celebrated with more gusto had we been at the match. Joey Beauchamp even had time to miss a penalty after Cook's goal, his well-struck shot being superbly saved by Paddy Kenny.
And at least we did not have to endure the spectacle of the manager of a bottom-placed side gesturing at the crowd after Jamie Cook's run and shot had given the U's their winning lead. If this was Oxford's sixth win on the trot, then perhaps Denis Smith might have a point. But, we are still bottom and have four points from eight games, Denis. If you think that makes you any good, more fool you. When you do win those six in a row, we shall celebrate your achievements. For now the chants of "Smith Out" and "You don't know what you're doing" seem more appropriate, whatever Saturday's result.
Still a win's a win. Let's hope it can give us something to build on
for our trip to Millwall next weekend. If not, we might just have to follow
their lead. (They sacked their joint managers today.)
BURY GAME GOES AHEAD
The Bury game has been officially confirmed as 'ON' tomorrow. It had been feared that the fuel shortages would hit tomorrow's fixtures, but both Oxford and Bury have indicated that they can fulfill the commitment. Perhaps this is not such a good thing for Oxford, given recent results...
Richard Knight is unlikely to return, as he still has problems with kicking, whilst John Robertson has food poisoning. Jon Shepheard, Rob Folland and Neil McGowan are all doubtful too. Lee Jarman is likely to return to the defence after curiously being omitted in midweek.
[source = Official Site / Oxford Mail]
RUMOUR TIME
A source who wishes not to be identified has furnished me with the following rumour. Believe it if you want, but I can't personally vouch for its authenticity.
The rumour is that Denis has been given money to spend, but not on transfer fees, meaning that he can bring in players on free transfers or loan deals. He is currently supposed to be talking to two players, namely Tony Cottee (sounds unlikely since he only just went to Norwich on a free) and Leon Mike, a young (19 year old) striker at Man City. Mike has not yet made a first team appearance for any team, but has done well for their reserves. He is supposedly powerfully built with good close control. He graduated from the FA National School of Excellence.
[source = anonymous / Soccerbase/ MCIVTA]
The above rumour - or at least the part about funding - seems to be backed up by the fact that Smith claims to have enquired about 35 players (mainly strikers) in the last two days alone. "Nobody's looking to sell players who are scoring a lot of goals," said Smith. [source = Oxford Mail]
NEWTON LEAVES BARNET
Eddie Newton's career took another downturn this week as he was released
by Barnet after a brief spell there. He made six league and cup appearances
for Barnet over the past month. [source = OUFC forum / Soccerbase]
WORDS FROM DENIS
Here are a few quotes from Denis Smith given in an interview after yesterday's defeat. Make of them what you will -
CASH FROM KASSAM?
Firoz Kassam appeared last night to hint that he would make available some money for new players. His remarks came when speaking to an Oxford radio station during half-time of yesterday's match. Supposedly he will meet Denis today to discuss funding for new players.
Now whilst some investment in the team may come in handy, I'm not one to call for throwing money at a problem. A tactically aware manager, a decent youth system, and shrewd rather than expensive signings should be enough to serve well any club at our level.
[source = OUFC forum]
GO NOW SMITH
(STOKE 4 OXFORD 0)
Another formation change, another defeat. No doubt Denis will blame this result on the switch back to 4-4-2, and change formation again on Saturday. Only a prolonged fuel crisis can save us from relegation with this man as manager. And anyone blaming lack of funds should check the position of Cambridge in the table.
According to Denis, this is "the first match in which we haven't given the opposition a game". It must have been really bad then. What are you going to do about it, Denis? And don't repeat that 'young team' mantra for the n'th time, please...
According to one website, Stoke had sixteen efforts on target to Oxford's four. Twenty-nine shots in total to Oxford's nine. This was no fluke scoreline. It was a hammering.
Smith Out.
[source = OUFC forum / sports.com]
WEATHERSTONE LATEST - READING PROTEST PLANNED
Thankfully the Ross Weatherstone debacle has not yet been forgotten. There will be a demonstration at Oxford's match at the Madejski Stadium on October 28. According to Rage Online, the Reading Racial Equality Commission has confirmed this, as the local Asian community are not satisfied with Oxford's reaction to the guilty verdict in the Ross Weatherstone case. Well, would you be? [source = Rage Online]
KASSAM MEETS BARR TODAY
Firoz Kassam was today (at 10am) meeting with Barr Construction to discuss the building of the new stadium at Minchery Farm. Kassam is reportedly concerned there may be further delay (surprise, surprise).
Kassam said, "I've got a meeting with the chairman of the contractors to sign the contracts and finalise when work starts again. But I was told there might be a problem because it might need to go through the full council and that would cause a delay."
The Council denied this, with their planning officer, Andrew Lewis, saying, "My understanding is that this does not have to go to full council. There is no reason why work can't start straight away on the stadium."
[source = Oxford Mail]
STOKE PREVIEW
There are signs that the away attendance at tonight's game will be hit by the fuel shortages, that is assuming the game itself takes place - last night's match between Bristol City and Brentford was postponed because not enough stewards could get to the ground.
Denis Smith is taking a hard line with players regarding the shortages - "This is their club and where they work and they are expected to be here." The team ciach apparently has enough fuel to last three weeks, so getting to away games should not be a problem for the team.
Assuming the match does take place, Manny Omoyinmi should return up front. He missed the match at Wycombe because of a groin injury. Richard Knight failed a fitness test this morning, and Smith has chosen to replace him with Jimmy Glass (now recovered from his own injury) rather than Hubert Busby Jr.
Jon Shepheard has a groin injury, and may be replaced by Ian McGuckin, who has hopefully gained a bit of fitness since the last time I saw him play. Dean Whitehead, rested at Wycombe, will probably return to the midfield. John Robertson has been ill recently, and may be replaced by Rob Folland at right back.
[source = Oxford
Mail]
KNIGHT'S INJURY NOT SERIOUS
Richard Knight's ankle injury is thankfully less serious than feared, and he could yet be fit to play at Stoke tomorrow evening. He did some light training today - as did Jimmy Glass, also recovering from injury - and a decision on whether to play Knight or Busby in goal will be made tomorrow. [source = Oxford Mail]
FORMATION CONFUSION
"Everybody knows I'm a 4-4-2 man and the best clubs in the world are playing 4-4-2, but in the end we've got to have the personnel to do it." Thus spoke Denis yesterday. I always thought he favoured the wing-back system. I seem to remember way back his announcing that it was his ultimate ambition to play that system. Now I'm confused. No wonder the team seems uncertain of what it's meant to be doing.
"If you ask the players they possibly prefer the wingbacks system." I suspect they'd just enjoy sticking to one system, and learning some tactics to go with it.
Denis is uncertain of whether to switch back to 4-4-2 tomorrow, although the absence of Jon Shepheard through a groin injury may force his hand.
[source = Oxford
Mail]
KEEPER PROBLEMS
Richard Knight is very unlikely to be fit enough to play at Stoke on Wednesday evening - his ankle is currently heavily strapped after the injury he picked up in the first half of the match at Wycombe. Hubert Busby Jr is likely to deputise for Knight at Stoke, and it could be youngster Phil Wilson on the bench, as Jimmy Glass is also recovering from an injury.
Glass' Oxford future is currently in doubt, as this weekend marked the end of the one month contract he had signed with the club. Since he has spent most of that month injured, it has not been a happy time at the Manor for Glass.
Denis indicated that a decision is imminent on the goalkeeping situation. "I've got to make a decision this week on Busby and Jimmy Glass," he said.
[source = Oxford Mail]
ABBEY SCORES FOR SHOTS
Ben Abbey got the first goal of his loan spell at Aldershot Town on
Saturday, coming on as a substitute to score in the last minute against
Croydon. After failing to score in Aldershot's first three matches, which
he started, Abbey was dropped to the bench. It has not been a particularly
auspicious loan spell thus far, but perhaps, now that he has scored one,
he will regain his confidence. He obviously has what it takes to score
at this level, given his record at Crawley Town. [source
= OUFC forum / Aldershot
Town Official Site]
SMITH OUT (OF HOSPITAL)
(WYCOMBE 3 OXFORD 1)
Oxford lost their fifth match from six in the league this season, as they went down 3-1 with hardly a whimper to the now second-placed Wycombe. Those who were there say it was a dreadful affair, enlivened only (for Oxford fans) by Paul Tait's first ever goal for the club from 70 odd appearances (it took a real deflection), and by the first appearance of Hubert Busby Junior in goal. He came on at half-time after Richard Knight suffered a twisted ankle. He then saved an injury time penalty, only for it to be retaken because he had moved off his line. He didn't save it the second time.
Chants of "4-4-2" and "Smith Out!" made a reappearance, along with Denis, now well enough to resume management.
KASSAM - STADIUM RESTART NEXT WEEK
Firoz Kassam has confirmed that he aims to see rebuilding of the Minchery
Farm stadium start next week. Kassam said, "I can't work miracles so we
will not be able to start work on Monday, But we should start in a matter
of days. I'm doing my bit off the pitch and now the players need to concentrate
on their job on it." [source = article
in The Times]
PLANNING PERMISSION GRANTED
The Council today granted the detailed planning permission for the Minchery Farm developments by 5 votes to 2. The Green Party members of the planning committee voted against the proposal. Now - rebuilding work had better start to happen next week.
Firoz Kassam commented, "I'm absolutely thrilled. I believe this decision today safeguards the future of Oxford United."
But there is still an issue here - Les Wells has threatened to apply for a Judicial Review over the right-of-way he claims exists across the land. Apparently there will be talks aimed at preventing this, and Firoz Kassam has indicated that he is not concerned by the possibility of the JR. Thus we can assume (hope?) that building work at the new ground will not be delayed until this issue is sorted out.
[source = OUFC forum / Oxford Mail]
MURDOCHVISION
Tonight sees Oxford take on Wycombe live on SKY (or second half commentary on 5 Live if you prefer). There's just one good thing about Sky games and that is that Oxford have a fairly good recent record in such matches. We also have a good record at Adams Park, having won on the last two occasions we've played there.
Oxford will be broadly unchanged (Whitehead and/or Shepheard may be rested, with Fear and/or McGuckin replacing them), although we can all hope that the return of Denis to full health coincides with a reversion to a 4-4-2 formation. Fat chance, I suspect. Wycombe have striker Andy Rammell, newly signed from Walsall, to add to their squad.
[source = Oxford
Mail]
DECISION DEFERRED
The Council has deferred its decision on the detailed planning permission until Friday. This is to give Les Wells, a local landowner, a five minute slot to address the committee. Wells, you may remember, is the man who claims that the developments threaten a right-of-way which he alleges exists across the land in question. Apparently the Council yesterday rejected an objection from English Heritage - I have no idea what this was about.
Kassam is still eager to get Barr Construction on site and building by Monday. If not, they could be struggling to have the new stadium ready for the beginning of next season. The Thames Water covenant is still hanging over the development, but this cannot in itself prevent the stadium from being built; it can only prevent sport from being played in the stadium. This means there is effectively another eleven months to sort out the Thames Water situation, if Kassam and/or the Council feels that the risk is worth it.
There's an article in The Times today about the new stadium situation. To the well-informed there is nothing new here, but at least it's getting some national coverage. It was evidently written by a buddy of Denis Smith though...
[source = OUFC forum / Rage Online]
WATSON HEADS TO US?
TeamTalk are reporting that Mark Watson has headed to the USA for a
trial with Major League side, DC United. This is confusing as not long
ago it was reported that he had been handed a month's trial at Wolves.
[source
= TeamTalk]
COUNCIL MEETING TODAY
The Council meeting to decide on the detailed planning permission for Firoz Kassam's Minchery Farm leisure developments takes place today. Kassam has claimed that if the meeting finds in his favour, rebuilding work will start on the new ground. (I'll believe that only when I see it!)
Kassam commented, "I've had so many obstacles to overcome in the last 18 months that I'm taking nothing for granted any more. It has always been my intention to start work at the stadium straight away, once the leisure development is approved."
Of course, there is still the matter of Thames Water - will the Council pay them the money they are owed (compensation for the dropping of the no-leisure-developments covenant), or will they appeal against the compensation ruling? An appeal would delay things even further.
I'm not sure I trust Kassam when he makes statements along the lines of "Once we are over this hurdle, building will restart." There's always another hurdle in sight, which he fails to mention until the previous one has been sucessfully negotiated. Then that new hurdle becomes the be-all and end-all. And so on.
[source = Oxford Mail]
BETTER NEWS OF POWELL
Paul Powell underwent an arthroscopy this morning - meaning he had keyhole surgery on his injured right knee in order to determine the extent of the ligament damage. The news is better than before - he will not need an operation, and should be back in three months rather than six or eight as originally feared. A few key quotes from club physiotherapist, Neal Reynolds -
[source = Official Site]
NICE FIRST HALF; SHAME ABOUT THE SECOND
(OXFORD 1 WOLVES 3)
Oxford went out of the League Cup 3-2 on aggregate, after allowing Wolves to come back from 2-0 down. The first half was almost unrecognisable from Oxford's league displays, as the side closed Wolves down at every opportunity, passed the ball with aplomb, and deserved more than a 1-0 half-time lead (Jon Shepheard's first ever goal). Steve Anthrobus even did some tricks at one point, although these did not include getting a shot anywhere near the target when he was one on one with the keeper early on.
The second half was immediately a different story. Oxford started to panic-defend in numbers from the kick-off, lost the midfield battle as a result, and generally fell apart. Even once down to ten men (inevitable after the ref had booked about five Wolves players in the first five minutes of the match), Wolves had taken control of the game, and the result was inevitable.
Why were we still playing five at the back against ten men? What happened to our midfield in the second half? Will we win a match this season? (I don't count first legs of a tie we eventually lose.)
Understatement of the year from stand-in manager, Mickey Lewis - "We had 11 players against ten but we didn't use that extra man well enough. We got a bit of a panic on when it was 3-1 but there were still 20 minutes to go."
[source = Oxford
Mail]
STADIUM RESTART IMMINENT?
We've certainly heard this all before, but there are indications that building work might start once again on the new ground at Minchery Farm in the near future. Radio Oxford has reported Kassam as saying that work - now to be done by Barr Construction - will restart next Monday if tomorrow's Council planning meeting (the one discussing the details of the leisure developments at Minchery Farm) goes his way. [source = OUFC forum]
SERIOUS INJURY CONFIRMED FOR POWELL
Paul Powell's scan yesterday revealed - as suspected - posterior cruciate ligament damage to his knee, and he will be out for up to eight months. Not good, especially for the player himself. Here's hoping he makes a full recovery. [source = Rage Online]
JARMAN FOR MANAGER?
It seems that Lee Jarman understands the failings of 5-3-2 (as played by Oxford anyway) better than Denis Smith, who appears determined to stick with the formation for now. Jarman commented, "It's worked a couple of times but I think it's hard for the front men because there's a big gap between midfield and the front men. When we've got a spare man at the back, there's not so many people going forward then. Perhaps we could push up a few more people." [source = Oxford Mail]
WOLVES PREVIEW
Oxford take on a depleted Wolves side at the Manor tonight, hoping to defend a 1-0 first leg lead over the Black Country side. Wolves' injury list includes Simon Osborn, Neil Emblen, Michael Branch, Andy Sinton and George Ndah. Their problems are slightly eased by the return of former Brentford striker, Robert Taylor, from injury.
Oxford are likely to be unchanged from the side that drew on Saturday. The only doubt is whether Denis Smith will be well enough to resume his place on the bench.
[source = ZooFootball]
WATSON OFF
It seems Mark Watson may have been correct in appearing to underestimate the number of games he would miss for Oxford to play for Canada, if he had re-signed for us. He was sent off last night (for two bookable offences) during Canada's 4-0 defeat in Trinidad. This result eliminates Canada, the current confederation champions, from the World Cup., and the sending-off means that Watson will miss Canada's next qualifying match. [source = Slam! Soccer]
TRACKED DOWN - JAMIE LAMBERT
It's perhaps one of those questions you have been asking yourselves - whatever did happen to that Jamie Lambert? Possibly not. But I can confirm that Lambert, last heard of playing for a village team in Berkshire, has just signed for Slough Town of the Ryman Premier League. No John Betjeman quotes, please.
Lambert has signed from Barry Town, where he has apparently been playing for the last few months. (Given that the last few months constituted summer, this is an interesting idea.) He was there long enough to play against Boavista in the UEFA Cup, which is something he could never have done whilst at Oxford! He joins another former Oxford winger, Chrissy Allen, at Wexham Park. Both played in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Canvey Island.
[source = FootballTransfers.co.uk
/ Official Slough Town site]
NO MORE ZEROES
(OXFORD 1 CAMBRIDGE 1)
Oxford got a first point and first home goal of the season yesterday, but this shouldn't be allowed to mask the fact that it was another poor performance. We really should have lost the match, and almost did. It had all started so brightly, as Oxford - managed by Mickey Lewis and Mike Ford in the absence of Denis Smith - passed the ball with aplomb, and allied pace and movement to create some early chances. But once Oxford got the goal (a well-worked free kick scored by Lee Jarman), it all fell apart. Apart from a few brief moments it became one-way traffic, and by the end of the second half, Oxford were hanging on and hardly getting a touch.
Joey Beauchamp looked good once more, as did Manny Omoyinmi, but the plodding nature of those around them meant their skill counted for little. Lee Jarman was more assured in central defence than he has been in previous matches, but Ian McGuckin was unconvincing. Some supporters seem to think Jarman is overweight - surely they mean McGuckin? He gives the impression of being someone's friend's cousin who has been brought along to make up the numbers in a parks match. Shambling and unfit.
POWELL OUT FOR MONTHS
Very bad news for Oxford and Paul Powell is that the young winger has
damaged cruciate ligaments in his knee and will be out of action for between
four and eight months. The true extent of the damage will only be known
once he has had a scan on Monday. Get well soon, Powelly. [source
= Oxford
Mail]
CAMBRIDGE PREVIEW - POWELL OUT
Oxford will try to get their first point(s) of the season at the fifth attempt tomorrow, as they take on Cambridge at the Manor. Bad news is that Paul Powell's injury to his right knee definitely rules him out of the match. The injury could be fairly serious, with ligament damage a real possibility. If this were the case, it would keep Powell out of football for weeks or even months. He undergoes a scan today.
Neil McGowan will replace Powell at left back. The side could play either 4-4-2 or 5-3-2, apparently dependent on whether Jon Shepheard is available to form part of a back three. He picked up a slight thigh strain in midweek. If Shepheard is ruled out, Peter Fear is likely to return to midfield. Rob Folland is unavailable for the match, as he plays for Wales U21 against Belarus today. Ian McGuckin should return, probably only as far as the bench, after coming through a reserve match this week.
Cambridge will be without striker Steve Slade, after he was banned for three matches after being sent off against Bournemouth two weeks ago. Zema Abbey will continue up front, but the other striking position is up for grabs. Veteran John Taylor may play, or there may be an opportunity for youth team players Nathan Lamey or Daniel Chillingworth. Swede Jonas Axeldal is another option, despite a lack of match fitness. Otherwise Cambridge have no injury worries, and should field much the same side that won at Notts County on Monday.
Denis Smith may or may not be well enough to attend the match, after spending time in hospital this week with a suspected blood disorder. He is now on a course of anti-biotics.
[source = Oxford Mail / Cambridge Evening News]
WALES U21 LOSE
Wales U21 were beaten 4-1 in Belarus today. Rob Folland was on the substitutes
bench, but I've no idea if he actually appeared on the field at any point.
He isn't mentioned in the report
from Sporting Life.