COTTEE TO BE APPOINTED?

The previously unsubstantiated rumour just became a little more official. Sky Sports are reporting that Tony Cottee - who just left a player-coach role at Norwich by mutual consent - is to be unveiled tomorrow as the new Oxford player-manager. I thought what we needed was a little experience...

The official Norwich site says Cottee is to move to a player-manager position at an unspecified club, and quotes Cottee as follows - "Things have not yet been completely finalised. I hope to make an announcement tomorrow."

Cottee, 35, has made ten first team appearances for Norwich this season (including three as substitute), scoring two goals.

[source = OUFC forum / Soccerbase / official Norwich site]

DEADLINE "WILL STILL BE MET"

Birse - the latest construction firm to take on the work at Minchery Farm - have reportedly confirmed that they still expect to meet the July deadline, despite the current delay that is needed to make the site safe for working. Apparently a few Birse portakabins turned up yesterday to replace the old Barr ones. Progress.   [source = Rage Online]

DISCUSSIONS HELD

Joe Kinnear held talks with FK yesterday, with FK reportedly hoping to convince Kinnear to take over as manager of the team. Kassam was non-comittal on what exactly was said - "The talks went very well, but I have nothing to say at the moment. We are still in discussions, and I hope to make an announcement later in the week."   [source = Oxford Mail]

RESERVE DETAILS

The reserves play against Colchester at the Manor tonight, with Paul Powell expected to play a second game since his recovery from injury. The substitutes from Saturday - Beauchamp, Folland, Glass, Whitehead and Omoyinmi - are also included in the side.   [source = Oxford Mail]

FORDY CRITICISM

Mike Ford has criticised the club's current situation, syaing that he has had no contact with new 'consultant', Joe Kinnear. Fordy claims that nothing has changed in the week since Kinnear's arrival, and that he will let FK know his feelings on the current shambles at the club.

Fordy blasted, "I'll tell him in the office but facts are facts – we ain't good enough. And if he's happy to let the situation go along, then I'm not. If he wants to appoint somebody else, get a figurehead at the club, give him some money to spend, then let's get out of this situation. We've had Joe Kinnear in for a week and nothing has changed."

Fordy also said he had no interest in the manager's job full-time, given the club's current situation. "I don't want the job in the circumstances we're in at the moment. Things have got to change at this football club, it's been drifting away and we are drifting towards relegation. But I said this three weeks ago, six games ago."

He is desperate to be able to make new signings, believing that the current team is not good enough to stay up, whoever happens to be in charge - "We need half a team to compete in this league and get out of trouble. What positions they are, I'll leave to myself. I've told the lads, we've got five points from 15 games and if we don't start cutting the mistakes out now, we're going to get relegated. People can say it's only October, but facts are facts. I'm a realist."

[source = Oxford Mail]

MANAGER JOE?

According to today's Guardian, Joe Kinnear is to "discuss the managerial vacancy" with Firoz Kassam. Of course, taken literally, this may mean that they are discussing third party connections with the vacancy rather than the prospect of Kinnear himself becoming manager.   [source = Football Unlimited]

I don't have much time on my hands today, but a few things are worth a quick mention -

THREE GOALS IS NOT ENOUGH
(READING 4 OXFORD 3)

Oxford led 3-2 with ten minutes to go, but Tony Rougier scored two late goals to see Reading regain top place in the table. Derek Lilley (with help from former God, Phil Whitehead), Jon Richardson and Adrian Viveash (own goal) were the scorers for Oxford. I guess one of the few positives to be taken from this match was the fact that Ross Weatherstone was not brought back into the side in the town where he committed his racist offence!

TRIP TO CHESHIRE

The draw for the first round of the FA Cup was made yesterday, and Oxford were drawn away to Macclesfield Town of the third division. Personally I think we'll do well to take them back to the Manor for a replay.

ANOTHER DELAY

There is another delay to the restart of building work at Minchery Farm, this time of a logistical nature. Before any further work can be done, the work already done by Taylor Woodrow a few years back needs to be "made safe". The estimated start date for new developments is now November 20. [source = Rage Online]

READING PREVIEW

Oxford go to the Madejski Stadium to play second-placed Reading tomorrow. The match comes too soon for Paul Powell and Rob Folland, both of whom played for the reserves on Wednesday as part of their recovery from injury. Paul Tait and Jon Shepheard are both out injured, but Dean Whitehead comes back into contention (hopefully replacing Simon Weatherstone or Matt Murphy) after serving his one match suspension for five bookings. Neil McGowan may replace Sam Ricketts at left back. Neither has looked particularly comfortable at wing-back this season.

It is to be hoped that Oxford do not give Ross Weatherstone his first outing after injury, as it was in Reading that his racist offence was committed. There is a demonstration by local Asian communities planned for this match, which gives an indication that they were not satisfied with the punishment handed out to Weatherstone by Oxford. Indeed I have still not seen an unequivocal condemnation of his act by the club.

[source = OUFC Info Centre / Oxford Mail]

ABBEY DEPARTS

Ben Abbey has joined Southend on a free transfer, after playing in the reserves for the Essex club this week. I still feel that Abbey was given virtually no chance to prove himself at the Manor. Could he really have been worse than Steve Anthrobus?   [source = Official Site]

LATEST FORDY QUOTES

Here are some quotes from Fordy from today's Mail:

• "If we can get a result [at Reading], and beat Bristol Rovers at home in the next one, we then have a run of matches where I really believe we can win every one of them."   (Keep taking the happy-pills, Fordy)
• "The people who are in the team are in there because they deserve to be, and by the same token those who aren't, don't deserve to be because they've not worked hard enough in training or in the reserve games."   (So performance in reserve games is more important than those in the first team?)
• "The club has been basically losing for three years and all those young players coming through have only ever been used to seeing the team lose. Now, I'm not saying we do that individually, but as a group, we seem to accept losing more easily than we should do."   (You don't say!)

INTERESTING FORDY QUOTES

Here are some interesting quotes from Fordy after the youth cup match on Monday:

• "There are too many inadequate players brought in by previous managers."  (Can't argue with that one.)
• "[Joey's] training attitude is awful. He will not start on Tuesday but he knows he is the golden boy and that the crowd will shout for him if things aren`t going well."   (Ooh - handbags. Whatever his attitude, he's surely better than Murphy and Weatherstone?)
• "[The younger players] will get the losing habit in this team."   (Such optimism. Isn't it his role to be stopping the losing habit?)

ABBEY AT SOUTHEND

Ben Abbey turned out for Southend reserves yesterday. Apparently Southend are looking for a loan striker to cover for injury problems. Abbey didn't score in the match, a 1-1 draw against Brighton, but he was integral to the move from which the Southend goal was scored. The really keen amongst you may want to check out a report on this match.   [source = OUFC forum / SUFC Fans' Site]

BID REJECTED

An unspecified bid for an unspecified player has been turned down for an unspecified reason by the club involved, unspecified of course. The player in question is known not to be Torquay's Tony Bedeau, who has been the subject of past bids from Oxford, as Torquay have denied that a new bid has been received for Bedeau.

Denis commented on the bid, "I put in the bid for a player, but it was turned down. I'm not disclosing who he was, but it was a six-figure bid and was a player Mike (Ford) wanted."

[source = Oxford Mail]

SUCCESSFUL COMEBACK FOR POWELL

Paul Powell's surprisingly quick recovery from his serious ligament injury saw him play 70 minutes of the friendly reserve match in Reading yesterday. Rob Folland, also recovering from injury, played for the full match. The result was 1-1, with Manny Omoyinmi getting Oxford's goal.

Fordy was pleased with Powell's progress - "Powelly did OK considering he hasn't played for two or three months. There was no reaction at all and he played 70 minutes before we brought him off."

[source = Rage Online / Oxford Mail]

KINNEAR WATCHES AS OXFORD LOSE AGAIN
(OXFORD 0 WIGAN 2)

Oxford turned in another relegation-bound performance against third placed Wigan, with only Richard Knight keeping the score respectable. Scott Green scored early on for the visitors and Knight's string of saves then kept the Latics out until two minutes from the end, when Andy Liddell got their second. Oxford hardly threatened to score at all - only an Andy Linighan header, missed unchallenged from close range, was anything like a chance. Linighan had another decent game at the back, as did John Richardson, but we are very weak on the flanks.

Joe Kinnear and Denis Smith sat next to one another for the duration of the match. Hopefully Kinnear will tell Smith what he thinks of the 5-3-2 formation, and hopefully he will also see that Simon Weatherstone shouldn't be anywhere near the first team when Joey Beauchamp is only on the bench. A midfield of Murphy, Weatherstone and Fear is hardly going to leave many opposition teams eyeing the line-up with apprehension.

We need changes and we need them fast. Over to you, Joe.

[source = OUFC Info Centre / OUFC Forum]

KINNEAR "TURNED DOWN MANAGER'S ROLE"

Apparently Joe Kinnear was originally offered the manager's role at Oxford, but turned it down in favour of being merely a "consultant". He has agreed to work with Denis Smith (can someone please get rid of this man?) to bring new players to Oxford. Kinnear has not ruled out taking the manager's job in the long-term, but, to be honest, we need a proper manager NOW. Things are falling apart and we need some experience and stability.

Here are some comments from Kinnear about his role -

• [Firoz Kassam] has offered me the job, but I said I would need a lot more time to consider it. At the moment, he said he'd like me to be a consultant ? basically come in and have a look at what needs to be done and help out in whatever way I can."
• "Denis is in charge of things here at the moment, so it's just a case of another voice helping out whichever way I can, adding a little bit more experience and mainly on the look-out for new players."  (Denis in charge?? scary)
• "Firoz is very enthusiastic, he's very keen to get new players in who will lift Oxford from the position they're in. They're in a perilous position, they certainly need an injection of new blood."

WIGAN PREVIEW

Oxford take on Wigan at the Manor tonight, with Joey Beauchamp expected to return to the side after being omitted on Saturday. He would replace the suspended Dean Whitehead. Peter Fear is another candidate to take a midfield position - remember that Joe Kinnear knows him well from Wimbledon, and may have issued a first-day kick up the backside to Fear. Lee Jarman is fit again after a knock that kept him out of the loss at Rotherham. Jarman has signed another month's contract - strange, I'm sure I read that he'd already signed until the end of the season. That appears not to be the case - perhaps we should be thankful?   [source = Oxford Mail]

Here's a summary of what has happened whilst I've been away in Edinburgh -

• The announcement from FK on Thursday contained two peices of information. Firstly rebuilding work is set to start on the new stadium next Monday (30 October). The constructors will now be Birse Stadia (not Barr any more), who built the Madejski Stadium amongst other things. As before, three sides will be constructed initially, with a capacity of 12,500.
• The second piece of news in the statement was that Joe Kinnear, the former Wimbledon manager, is to act as 'consultant' to the club on a short term basis. He is expected to play some role in the appointment of a new manager. Where this leaves Denis Smith is anyone's guess. Kinnear will start in his new position today.
• Oxford lost again, this time 3-1 at Rotherham. Derek Lilley got the consolation goal late on.
• Leon Mike returned to Manchester City after a bizarre loan spell which consisted mainly of him not being given a decent chance to prove himself, despite our dire scoring record. He started just one match, coming on as a substitute in two others.
• The reserves won another match! They beat Bristol Rovers 4-1 away. That's two wins on the trot now...
• There is speculation that Oxford are once more after Torquay's Tony Bedeau. He was the subject of a confirmed £200,000 bid from Oxford earlier in the season. It is thought that Oxford have now upped their offer.
• Paul Powell is recovering well from his ligament injury, and a reserve friendly against Reading has been specially arranged in oreder to give Powell some match practice. Rob Folland will also use the game to regain fitness after injury.

TAIT INJURY DETAILS

Paul Tait picked up a hairline fracture of the fibula in last night's match. He was the victim of a rather nasty-looking tackle, and hobbled off soon afterwards. He sees a specialist tomorrow, but is likely to be out for at least a month.   [source = Official Site]

WRIGHT LINKED AGAIN

There are rumours that Oxford are lining up a compensation package for Southport in order to convince them to release Mark Wright, so that he can take over as manager at Oxford. Wright has already expressed interest in the job, saying, "If Oxford really want me they need to come and get me. Of course I would be interested. Oxford asked for permission to speak to me and my chairman hasn't granted that, though he's waiting to see what happens. To go to Oxford and manage at Football League level would be great."

Southport chairman, Charles Clapham, is not keen on Oxford's overtures, so a compensation deal would seem the only way forward if Oxford wish to pursue their interest in Wright.

[source = Planet Football]

KASSAM SPEAKS OUT
(OXFORD 0 LUTON 0)

Last evening was memorable less for the match (in which an increasingly tiring Oxford side somehow hung on against an extremely wasteful Luton attack), than for the post-match address by Firoz Kassam. At half-time it was announced that FK would be addressing the crowd after the game, and the second half was spent guessing whether it was to announce a restart of building work or perhaps the appointment of a new manager (Andy Linighan was the favoured guess in my area of the stands).

In the event, it was neither. Kassam did however promise a press conference on Thursday (tomorrow) at which he hoped two important announcements would be made. Presumably these would concern the new ground and a new manager. Otherwise his unprepared speech consisted of mounting an attack on his critics - both amongst the fanbase and in the media - and a few soundbites about how he hoped the club would progress.

The most amusing part was when he told his critics (basically the Oxford Mail) to "piss off". It will be interesting to see how they report this today. Yet Kassam has got to realise that when a fanbase is left in the dark as much as Oxford's is, speculation - whether merited or not - is sure to fill the void. I suggest to FK that from now on, if there is any further setback for the club, he should inform the supporters quickly and fully about the entire situation. Football is not like any other business - supporters are not customers. They have a right to be kept informed at all times. Let us hope that Thursday sees the start of a new, open approach.

Here is his statement -

"I am sorry to be giving you disappointing performances from time to time. I think a lot of people around here have got very short memories. If I hadn't stepped in, today Oxford United might not have been playing here.
I know it's taken me 18 months to move things forward, but there is a lot of work that has been going on in the background and I wasn't prepared to keep coming out and making false promises until I was sure there was something definite that was going to happen.
I am not prepared to put up with media speculation and a lot of lies being said in the press to maybe create unnecessary debate. I am delighted to tell you that on Thursday it is my intention to hold a press conference to make a couple of very exciting announcements.
Speculation in the media that I have bought the club for a pound is totally untrue. If you want to know, I am £5m out of pocket as I stand before you today, and that is a lot of money for anybody, and within the next few days I might be £20m out of pocket.
So all I can say to the media and to a few supporters who make unnecessary threats to me and my family is: if you don't like it, piss off, go away.
I mean that, I don't need supporters like you here. If you claim that this is your club, then work with me, don't just leave me to do it for you.
If you're not prepared to spend a couple of hundred pounds a year to watch your team come and play, and you expect me to spend £20m, that is not good enough, so please play your part, turn up here and back the team.
I know we're not doing a great job but we will change that, and we will change that very quickly.
Let me get the stadium being built and then we will get the team here that can play football. Leave it to me, I will do it for you, but do not make any threats and do not put any pressure on me."

LAW LINKED

Chesterfield boss, Nicky Law, is the latest to be linked with the Manor hotseat. But why would he would want to move from a top of the table side to one at the opposite end? As in the case of Cheltenham, there's a strong chance that the two sides will swap divisions at the end of the season. But Oxford have apparently approached Chetsrefield for permission to talk to Law.   [source = Oxford Mail]

OLD MAN, OLD MAN...

Andy Linighan is to be charged with the job of holding our defence together tonight (poor guy), and will most likely replace Lee Jarman in an otherwise unchanged line-up. Alternatively, Fordy may change to a back five, with Matt Murphy dropping out. If he does play, Linighan will become, at 38, the oldest player ever to appar for Oxford. I believe it is fellow central defender Chris White who holds the current record (36).

LINIGHAN SIGNS

Former Arsenal defensive stalwart, Andy Linighan, has become an Oxford player at the age of 38 after having talks with Denis Smith earlier today. He is apparently seen as the sort of old head that Oxford need in their defence - hopefully his legs aren't as old as his age suggests. Linighan was released in controversial circumstances by Crystal Palace this month after a three year spell with the South London club, whom he had joined when leaving Arsenal. He was voted Palace's player of the year for 1999/2000. Linighan has signed until the end of this season.

Nobody seems quite sure what exactly happened with Linighan at Palace, but their chairperson, Simon Jordan, commented, "Unfortunately, an incident occurred in Spain which was unacceptable not necessarily to me but to our football club as a whole. There was no physicality involved but it was considered right, in consultation with Andy Linighan and the PFA, to terminate his contract immediately." His contract was apparently paid up in full. (Rumours abound that Linighan in fact hit Jordan while at a training camp in Spain, but Jordan's comments seem to indicate that is not the case, at least officially.)

Comments on Linighan's arrival were as follows -

• Mike Ford - "With such a young side I needed to bring in somebody with age and experience and Andy provides both, with his experience gained at the highest level."
• Andy Linighan - "At this stage of my career, I was keen to find a club to complete my 20 years in the game, and Oxford’s offer came just at the right time. I believe I can help the younger players and contribute to helping stabilise things."

SHAMBLES ON AND OFF THE PITCH

Mike Ford echoed the feelings of virtually all Oxford fans after Saturday's defensive debacle, commenting, "The team's performance mirrored the way things are here ? which is a shambles. I appreciate energies have been put into other things but the team's taken a back seat for too long. Things have got to be sorted out, whoever comes in."

I wonder what Firoz Kassam thinks about that. He refused to comment on the situation after the match - I'm afraid any chairperson of a football club owes it to the fans to explain the kind of situation in which Oxford currently find themselves. Ultimately any decent club should be answerable to its fans. Full stop.

[source = Oxford Mail]

WRIGHT WANTS JOB

It seems that there is someone who wants to manage Oxford - the problem is his club is unwilling to release him. Former Oxford lad and now Southport manager, Mark Wright, has supposedly issued a "come and get me" plea to Firoz Kassam. He does however indicate that for him to be truly interested in the post, money would have to made available for new players and he would have to be given assurances about the completion of the new ground. That's his chances gone then! Anyway Southport have refused Oxford permission to speak to Wright.   [source = Oxford Mail / Rage Online]

ATKINS DENIES 'RUMOURS'

Carlisle boss, Ian Atkins, has denied the supposed rumours that he has been contacted about the Oxford job. Atkins was fairly unequivocal about not having had contact with Oxford - "I am not going anywhere. I have not had any contact with anybody and the rumours are not true." At least we rpresume he was talking about Oxford - it could have been anything when you think about it.   [source = TeamTalk]

SAVARESE THE SWAN

Giovanni Savarese, the Venezuelan international striker who was being watched by Denis Smith last month, has joined Oxford's second division rivals, Swansea City, on a Bosman-free transfer. The majority of his career has been spent in the US, with his move being from the San Jose Earthquakes. Savarese made a good impression on his debut, scoring both goals in Swansea's 2-1 defeat of Stoke on Saturday.   [source = Football Transfers.co.uk]

NOT AS EXCITING AS IT SOUNDS
(OXFORD 3 WREXHAM 4)

Our defence really was a shambles today. We scored three goals - Paul Tait's first at the Manor, a Joey Beauchamp screamer from 30 yards or so, and a generously donated own goal - yet still did not pick up even a point. The marking at the back was terrible, and poor young Sam Ricketts, installed in a nightmare defence, looked well out of his depth. Bad marking was a continual theme for Wrexham's goals. The way they nonchalantly wandered around our players and walked the ball into the net for one of the goals was almost surreal.

Up front poor Derek Lilley ran and battled, watching as lofted ball after lofted ball went nowhere near him. He was the only one the crowd cheered at the end. A few more with his endeavour (and skill) and we might just do better.

This never felt like an exciting 4-3 scoreline. It just felt like another dire Oxford display.

WHO NOW?

It's a suitable day today to be an Oxford fan - Friday the 13th. Building still not restarted, managers turning us down left, right and centre...

So who are now the most likely candidates for the manager's post? Mark Wright is still being mentioned in many circles, whilst TeamTalk has suggested Gillingham assistant and former U's player, Richard Hill, and also Carlisle boss, Ian Atkins. Then there is  Nigel Spackman, currently favoured by the fans, but would he want to come?

[source = TeamTalk]

BUCKLEY NOT INTERESTED

Denis Smith confirmed that Oxford have been in contact with former West Brom and Grimsby manager, Alan Buckley, but it appears he is not interested in taking the job. Smith said, "I know Alan well and I've spoken to him, but I don't think he'll be coming."

Having heard what West Brom fans think of Buckley, that is possibly a good thing too. Buckley has also been loinked with the vacancy at third division Plymouth.

[source = Oxford Mail]

WE'RE NOT VERY FIT

Mike Ford has criticised the Oxford players' lack of fitness, saying, "I don't think we're as fit as we should be - in theory, you should be able to run as well in the last minute as you do in the first. I look at us when the ball is out of play and we're standing around or are slow to react. I want us to play at a high tempo, so that free-kicks and throw-ins can be done quickly."

Fordy has been concentrating on fitness training for the players in the past week or two.

[source = Oxford Mail]

WHITTINGHAM LEAVES

Guy Whittingham has been recalled by Portsmouth after just one match of his loan spell at Oxford. This is because he has been made Pompey's temporary assistant manager (to Steve Claridge) after the sacking of Tony Pulis. Hmm...it's been a good week so far.   [source = Official Site]

MORE COTTERILL DETAILS

Steve Cotterill was complimentary of Oxford's efforts to emply him as manager, but explained that his attachment to the Cheltenham set-up was too strong to leave behind. Cotterill said, "Oxford were very persuasive and everything was very nice and done in the right way." Cotterill said. "I'm thankful of the way they went about everything and wish Oxford well. But the point is I started a job at Cheltenham four years ago and haven't taken it through yet. I'm part of the building process here. I watched a training session with my coaches and could never imagine leaving the bunch of lads I have at the moment."

Cotterill was offered a two year extension to his Cheltenham contract, which he subsequently signed.

[source = Oxford Mail]

Here's how a couple of the Cheltenham websites described Steve Cotterill's decision to reject Oxford's offer and stay at Whaddon Road. It seems they like him...

The Robin's Nest

The day of torment finally ended around 5:15 this afternoon with the announcement that Steve Cotterill had agreed to stay at Whaddon Road. The internet had been humming all day with messages from both concerned Cheltenham fans and wishful Oxford fans waiting to hear the decision. The mood swung one way then the other as 'news' (either real or fabricated) broke. The Cheltenham manager had his meeting with Oxford Chairman Firoz Kassam  this morning and watched the second half of the Cheltenham vs Oxford reserve game (which Oxford won 1-0). Then at 4:00pm this afternoon he went into a board meeting only to surface at 5:15 to give the waiting press the good news. Kassam had increased the offer made to Steve Cotterill, which also included the amount of money Kassam was going to make available for SC to spend on players, but despite all that SC has decided to stay at WR and accept the extension to his contract that had been offered during the meeting.

The board had previously come under criticism from some quarters  for allowing SC's contract to dwindle down just to 18 months left, but the exact details of the new extended contract have yet to be finalised, and will be announced by the club soon. Paul Baker and his board must be admired for the way that they have fought to keep one of the hottest young managerial prospects at Whaddon Road.

It is clear that Cotterill and Baker still believe that the club can go even higher under Cotterill's leadership. If Cotterill would achieve the unthinkable and get Cheltenham into Division 2 it would give him a CV most football managers would die for. As for Oxford United and their ambitious Chairman Kassam they now begin the task of seeking an alternative solution to their manager-ship problem. As for Cheltenham fans we can all breath a huge sigh of relief.........

Cotterill has committed his immediate future to Cheltenham during an emergency board meeting late this afternoon at Whaddon Road. He had earlier met with Oxford United chairman Firoz Kassam, who made an improved offer after Cotterill had turned down his initial offer at the weekend.

It is thought that Cotterill has been offered an improved deal by the board, as well as an extension of his current contract, which had 18 months to run. Details are expected to be officially announced by the club soon.

The news that Cotterill will be staying is fantastic news for all Cheltenham fans. The vast majority would have been extemely disappointed if their popular manager - the most successful in Cheltenham's 108 year history - had been allowed to leave for Oxford, who are currently bottom of the second division and nominally two places above the Robins.

LATEST - COTTERILL REJECTS OXFORD AGAIN

The BBC reports that Steve Cotterill has decided to stay at Cheltenham Town despite an improved offer from Firoz Kassam today. Cotterill had talks with Kassam, but could not be convinced to move to Oxford. Cheltenham chairperson, Paul Baker, said, "Steve's done very well and he enjoys it here."

The BBC also reports that Martin Allen is to stay at Reading "despite rumours linking him with the vacant manager's job at Oxford." Rumours of which, until now, I was completely unaware.

[source = BBC Sport]

RESERVES WIN!

Wow! The first win for the second string since last November. The reserves beat Cheltenham 1-0, with a goal from Chris Hackett. Perhaps Steve Cotterill told them not to try because he is about to switch allegiances... [source = OUFC forum]

KASSAM MEETS COTTERILL TODAY

Firoz Kassam is meeting with Cheltenham Town manager, Steve Cotterill, today in a renewed bid to lure the 36 year old to the manager's job at Oxford.

Cotterill would seem a promising choice to me - listen to this appraisal from a Cheltenham site: "Cotterill is worshipped by the Cheltenham faithful for what he has achieved on a limited budget in the last few years, and for the enthusiastic way he goes about everything he does." There are definite doubts about his favoured style of play (his Wimbledon roots coming to the fore?) but even long-ball tactics are better than no tactics at all. Thank you, Denis Smith.

The Oxford Mail reports that Kassam has even promised Cotterill £1 million to spend on new players. Well if we can get Peter Fear off the payroll...

The reserves also travel to Cheltenham today, to embark on their latest attempt to prevent their run without a win from stretching to a full year. A few first-teamers are likely to feature, including Robertson, Omoyinmi, Mike and Anthrobus.

[source = Cheltenham Town official site / Oxford Mail ]

IMPROVED OFFER FOR COTTERILL

News from the local press in Gloucestershire confirms that Cotterill is due to speak to Kassam again tomorrow. Meanwhile Cheltenham are set to offer Cotterill an improved contract in a bid to head off interest from Oxford.

Cheltenham chairman Paul Baker said of Oxford's continued interest, "The problem at the moment is that the Oxford chairman is a bit like a dog with a bone. He won't let the matter rest. He feels that everybody has his price, which of course they do, and I can't do any more to influence Steve's decision. He's happy with his job here and with his terms of employment, but sometimes people come in with an offer that is too good to refuse. "

It is apparent that Kassam has decided that Cotterill is definitely the man for the job, as indicated by further comments from Baker - "There is a lot of pressure on Steve. I've just had half an hour on the phone with him and they want him so much. I believe their chairman has decided in his own mind that he is the man for the job in the same way that Celtic decided Martin O'Neill was the man for their job."

Coincidentally, Oxford reserves play Cheltenham at Whaddon Road tomorrow afternoon.

[source = This is Gloucestershire]

A rather worrying indication of the style of football favoured by Cotterill is the name of a Cheltenham Town webzine - HOOF! the beautiful game the SC way. It doesn't seem as if he favours pass and move...

FAN DOUBTS OVER STADIUM

There is growing unease apparent amongst Oxford fans as inactivity at Minchery Farm continues. Every time there is an announcement to the effect that 'building work is about to restart', nothing happens. How long before it is too late to have the new ground up and ready for the start of next season?

TRANSFER LISTED

Midfielders, Matt Murphy and Peter Fear, have had their requests that they be placed on the transfer list agreed to by the club. Fear has been omitted from the first team for most of the season, whilst Murphy has been in and out of the side in recent weeks.

Denis Smith commented, "Peter works tremendously hard but it just wasn't happening for him. And with Dean Whitehead starting to come through and showing himself to be an outstanding midfielder, the opportunities for Peter have been limited. Matt had a great season last season and he works hard, but the ball hasn't been running for him this season."

Peter Fear, 27, has been a great disappointment since joining Oxford from then Premiership side Wimbledon in July last year. Many fans feel that his effort has been lacking, and flashes of his supposed skill have been all too rare. He was made club captain this season, perhaps in a bid to increase his dedication to the cause, but was dropped after his displays continued to be well below those expected of him.

Matt Murphy, 29, is now Oxford's longest serving player, having joined from Corby Town in early 1993. He has spent most of his Oxford career as a bit player, and for a long time his substitute appearances outnumbered his starts. In the last couple of seasons he became a regular in midfield, but his contributions have never extended far beyond a knack of scoring goals from midfield.

Neither player would be greatly missed by most Oxford fans, especially as it is felt that the midfield needs a major overhaul in favour of creativity.

[source = Oxford Mail / Soccerbase]

COTTERILL TURNS DOWN OXFORD

Cheltenham Town manager, Steve Coterrill, has turned down an approach from Oxford United. Cheltenham's chairman, Paul Baker, said, "He said he is very happy at Cheltenham, and that he is staying."

Baker confirmed that Firoz Kassam had made an official approach, and that he [Baker] had not stood in Cotterill's way, but after a meeting with Kassam, Cotterill decided against the move.

There is a theory that the supposed interest in Steve Coppell may have been a journalistic mis-hearing of our interest in Cotterill. We shall see.

[source = This Is Gloucestershire]

FORD PRAISES YOUNGSTERS

Despite the defeat, Mike Ford had nothing but praise for the younger players who featured in yesterday's defeat. "[Ricketts] looked comfortable, he has a level head on his shoulders but I wouldn't say any of my boys did badly at all.

"Brooks has been magnificent for my youth and reserve teams. He's one of those players that can produce and do something. At 1-1 I wouldn't have put him on but at 2-1 down it was an ideal opportunity.

"Dean Whitehead was superb for me in a defensive midfield position, shuffling across the pitch and sensing the danger."

[source = Oxford Mail]

ALLEGATIONS AGAINST MAN UTD

In his new book, former U's manager, Jim Smith, has alleged that Man Utd offered Oxford £6000 to fix the venue of the second replay of a League Cup match back in 1983. After refusing the 'offer', Oxford won the toss for home advantage, and went on to beat Man Utd 2-1 in the match. Smith stated, ""They begged us to play at Old Trafford and they offered to put £6,000 into the player's pool which I'm sure would have delighted one or two of the boys. I was very surprised by the offer, it was unusual and probably not altogether legal. But I told them my chairman was determined to leave it to the toss of the coin."   [source = TeamTalk]

DERBY DEFEAT
(SWINDON 2 OXFORD 1)

Oxford failed to confound the critics (most of their fans) by losing 2-1 at the County Ground in Mike Ford's first - and possibly only - match of his caretaker spell as manager. Fordy restored Matt Murphy to the team, and gave youngster Sam Ricketts a debut in defence, but it was the loan debut of Guy Whittingham which had most effect on the game for Oxford. He may be getting older, but Whittingam proved that he can still score goals, equalising for Oxford in the second half. It wasn't enough as former Oxford promotion hero, Giuliano Grazioli, got the winner late on for Swindon. Youth teamer, Jamie Brooks, made a late debut appearance as a substitute for Oxford.

I guess it's better than a 4-1 defeat...

Incidentally, Dean Whitehead was booked for the fifth time this season, and will be suspended for one match - the home fixture against Wigan on 24 October.

COPPELL "OFFERED POST"

According to the Football News site, Steve Coppell has been offered the position of Oxford manager. Coppell is best known in management for his two spells at Crystal Palace, the most recent of which ended in the summer. He also had an infamous one month spell at Manchester City, before resigning because the pressure had become too much for him. With that in mind, let's hope he thinks carefully before stepping into the impecunious mire that is Oxford United. [source = Football News]

WHITTINGHAM SIGNS

In a move that has been rumoured for a while, former Portsmouth hotshot, Guy Whittingham, has signed for Oxford on a month's loan. The move comes in time for Whittingham to feature against Swindon tomorrow. Whittingham, who will turn 36 next month, is officially still in his second spell on Portsmouth's books, though this season he has played only for Peterborough in a loan spell at London Road.   [source = Official Site]

SWINDON PREVIEW

It's the 'big one' on Sunday, the one we never win, the one where 4-1 to the home team is almost the expected result these days. Still, never fear, Fordy's here - "Sunday's game is about the players and I've told them to go and do it for themselves and for their families. I think they know I expect them to work hard."

Ford has apparently already decided on his starting line-up. Paul Powell, Rob Folland and probably Ian McGuckin are denied him through injury, with Simon Weatherstone suspended. Swindon's line-up will probably be unchanged from that which held big-spenders Wigan to a 2-2 draw last weekend.

[source = Oxford Mail]

DIVIDED ROLES

So where exactly does Denis Smith fit in at the Manor now that he is no longer team manager? Well, it seems he is still installed in the manager's office ("I have all the contacts for players and agents and know everybody, so it helps being by the phones"), but he won't be taking any decisions on team matters any more ("Anything to do with players is now Mike's decision")

Denis' role also includes communicating with Firoz Kassam - "I'm speaking to him more now than ever before because he's giving the club more of his time at the moment." Which is good to hear. Does Firoz normally not give the club much of his time? I mean, he's only the bloody chairperson.

He's also defiant about his stint as manager. This is a great quote - "Contary to belief, I haven't resigned. I'll never quit a job. The last thing that worries me is people shouting at me. I've eaten people like that for breakfast. But at the end of the day, the chairman has made the decision." Apart from the amusement value, this does emphasise that Smith was pushed, and that he didn't step down of his own accord.

[source = Oxford Mail]

MANAGER SEARCH CONTINUES

Denis Smith's new role at the club also includes searching for a new manager. He admits that Paul Bracewell was one of the first people approached by the club, but that he had already accepted the Halifax post. He also commented that Mark Wright is a possibility, but only if Wright himself approached the club - "Mark is in a job at the moment and we're not in the process of poaching other people's players. But if he were to get in touch, he'd have to be one who we considered."   [source = Oxford Mail]

GLASS SIGNS AGAIN

Jimmy Glass has had his contract renewed for another month, after his previous deal ran out on Saturday. This will be his third month of sitting on the bench for Oxford.   [source = Oxford Mail]

FORDY TAKES CHARGE

Mike Ford took over team affairs today in an attempt to get the team ready for the trip to Swindon on Sunday. He has decided to drop himself from the team after his one-off appearance last Saturday - unsurprising since he himself did not feel he was fit enough to play a league match.

Fordy commented, "All Firoz has said, and it's an obvious thing to say, but he wants us to start winning games. I don't know what Denis's role will be at the club, but I'd like to think I can get on with the football side of it. We need to win some games and the lads need their confidence picking up ? and you get confidence from winning."

[source = Oxford Mail]

CONTENDERS LINE UP

So far the following managerial contenders have been suggested by various sources:

• Mark Wright [Oxford Mail] - currently manager of Southport, 5th in the Conference. Came through youth ranks at Oxford. Wright says, "I'm happy at Southport and really want to do well here but full-time football is where you have to set your sights and I'm ambitious." He pulled Southport from 21st position to 9th after taking over last season.
• Joe Kinnear [fan suggestion] - out of work after quitting Wimbledon a couple of years back. Oxford are probably not big enough for his ambitions. He turned down Sheffield Wednesday because of their lack of funds.
• Steve Cotterill [fan suggestion] - currently manager of Cheltenham Town, 3rd in Division Three. Strongly linked with the post when Malcolm Shotton was appointed - at that time, he expressed in interest in the Oxford vacancy. Now, with Cheltenham's success, it may be too late.
• Ray Houghton [TeamTalk] - currently on the coaching staff at Crystal Palace. PLayed for Oxford during their most successful period. Inexperience may count against him.
• Nigel Spackman [fan suggestion] - currently an FA coach. His only managerial experience is a brief, successful spell at Sheffield United (97/98), where he impressed many fans by standing up to the board. Whether this will be seen as a virtue by FK is a moot point. He has expressed interest in the Oxford job in the past. Has been quoted as saying, "I do want to get back into the game but I just want to find the club that has the right ambition," which could rule out the Oxford job!

FORDY APPOINTED CARETAKER

Mike Ford has today been appointed caretaker manager of Oxford, with Mickey Lewis as his assistant.

Oxford ultimately expect to recruit a new permanent manager from outside the club. Said Firoz Kassam, "We will get the manager in who we feel is best for this club. The Football League has a list of managers who are available and I have already been in touch with agents. I'm not sure whether the post will be advertised. I'll look to see who's out there and what experience and qualities they have."

Kassam commented on Denis' spell in charge, "Denis is a lovely guy and tried his best and cares about the club. His heart was in it but for some reason ? he doesn't know why and I don't know why ? the team did not play as a team. I might have to sit down with them myself later in the week to try to get to the bottom of it."

[source = Official Site / Oxford Mail]

RESERVES LOSE

Still the reserves fail to win. Just one more month and it will be a full year without a victory. Last night they lost 3-2 away to Brighton, with Simon Weatherstone and Chris Hackett getting the Oxford goals. The performance has been described as "disappointing".   [source = Rage Online]

NEW OFFICIAL WEBSITE

The Official Site seems finally to have been given the once-over by sponsors and web-designers, Domino. It certainly appears to be much improved in design (who am I to talk about site design anyway!?), but more importantly in content. At last there's a full set of reports for the season. The new look definitely gets a cautious thumbs-up from this reviewer. They might want to try to add some more links to the Useful Links page though. At the moment it's just a plug for Domino themselves.

SMITH OUT!

According to Radio Oxford, Denis Smith has resigned as manager. He will be staying on in an 'advisory role' for the time being.

Smith said, "It is in the best interests of the club for me to step aside. I have a deep feeling for Oxford United and a good relationship with the chairman. I hope to be able to make a contribution to the club away from the direct responsibilities for the playing side."

Firoz Kassam said, "I regret having to take this step [this suggests Smith was pushed!], but we must turn round the fortunes of the club as soon as possible. I have a great respect for Denis Smith and I genuinely want him to continue to help me, but without responsibility for first team coaching and team selection. I am delighted that Denis has agreed to remain at Oxford United."

[source = BBC Online]

FORDY GIVES DENIS SUPPORT

Rather unsurprisingly, Mike Ford has asked Firoz Kassam not to "chop and change" managerial personnel in a bid to turn the club around. Fordy said, "You need stability at a football club and this place hasn't got it, that's why we're struggling. I was at the club ten years and we had, for the best part of it, two managers and we had stability. We played at a level that maybe we shouldn't have played at, for a long time in the first division, but we had stability."

Ford also linked the lack of progress on the new ground with the lack of success on the pitch. "The club's been up in the air for two years now. No-one knows what's happening."

Unfortunately, if we give Denis the benefit of the doubt until the new ground is complete, we'll most likely be in division three when (if?) we eventually move there.

Meanwhile, Smith himself was not impressed with the large number of fans calling for his sacking. "Everybody thinks that I am the dragon and they've got to slay it. If I go, then who do they criticise then? I think they should look a little bit deeper and think about their actions before they do it. It's not beneficial to the team, it's upsetting the players." Ah - so it's the supporters' fault now. I understand everything...

He also seemed to think we had played well against Bristol City. Yes - me have deserved a draw, bu that is because City are a very poor side, not because Oxford played anything close to well. This didn't prevent Denis claiming, "I can't criticise the players, they can't work any harder than they have done. There are a lot of plusses. We dominated a lot of the play, we just didn't get the result."

Smith also received symapthy from opposite number, Danny Wilson. (This is perhaps not unrelated to the fact that Wilson himself is under pressure at Ashton Gate.) Wilson said, "I just hope that the people that count see a very, very experienced manager who will turn it around. He just needs a result, like we all do."

[source = Oxford Mail]