View from the Away End! Oxford Insights with Reds Report Ian!

Ahead of Saturday's clash between Barnsley and Oxford United at Oakwell in League One, we sat down with Oxford fan Jack Shoemark of the t`manor podcast and asked him his thoughts on Oxford`s season and the game with the Reds.

After finishing 8th in league one two season ago, last season was disappointing, finishing 19th with Karl Robinson being replaced by Liam Manning. Is Manning turning Oxford around?

The end of Karl Robinson’s tenure came as no surprise to anyone involved with Oxford United. Personal life situations combined with poor recruitment and woeful on the pitch results meant everything was moving in the wrong direction and the team were dragged into the League One relegation battle at the end of last season. Liam Manning came in and made us hard to beat, much more solid and most importantly, we started to find the net at key times. In our final 9 games, we lost just twice – one being at Oakwell – after just 2 wins in 13 prior to Manning’s appointment. The summer saw a period of transition with some new coaching appointments, a new head of recruitment and a turnover in the playing squad.

How would you describe your transfer activity this summer?

A huge improvement on last summer, and a return to our previous tactic of looking for younger talent from higher levels as well as exciting prospects. The signing of Ruben Rodrigues was seen as a bit of a coup right across the EFL whilst Brighton and Brentford have trusted us to improve James Beadle and Finn Stevens in loan spells.

Local boy Josh McEachran has reunited with Manning following their time at MK Dons together. Mark Harris was deemed a gamble as our new number 9 on a free from Cardiff but has 3 goals already. There are still a couple of gaps to fill, but the first window of the new look recruitment/coaching team has certainly been a good one.

How have Oxford started this season results and performances wise?

We’ve produced a right mixed bag of performances. The opening day defeat at Cambridge left everyone feeling deflated after the excitement in the build-up to the season. It was a poor performance with some concerning elements. A few changes at Bristol City in the cup didn’t go too well and we were tonked 5-1.

Then the home victory against Carlisle last Saturday saw a lot more positives and suddenly fans felt optimistic again. Tuesday night’s performance at Derby was fantastic and we thoroughly deserved the three points and four or five goals wouldn’t have flattered us.

The last time Oxford won at Oakwell was back in 1993. What do you think the score line will be on Saturday?

1-1

Who within the Oxford side should reds fans watch out for?

Mark Harris has 3 goals in 2 games, with a whole variety of finishes. Marcus Browne looks to have a new lease of life under Manning whilst Ruben Rodrigues is a classy player in the number 10 position.

Stephan Negru, our young centre-back has impressed immensely, and looks to have far more experience than the four appearances under his belt, there are signs he could be the next one on the production line following Rob Dickie, Rob Atkinson and Luke McNally.

What would be considered a good season for Oxford?

Having a flirt with the play-off spots would be an excellent improvement on last season but after the performance at Derby on Tuesday, we have shown that perhaps we can feel confident of being a play-off side at the very least.

There are important issues off the pitch, with a major hurdle in our new stadium project coming up in September where the hope is that a lease will be agreed for the preferred stadium site ahead of an expected application before the end of the year. Positive progress on this is vital, with the future of the club potentially being at stake.

Summary

Our visitors come into the game after an excellent midweek away win at Derby County whilst Barnsley need to bounce back after a 1-3 home defeat to Peterborough. The last time Oxford scored at Oakwell was in their last win in 1993. Let us hope that run continues and Barnsley pick up all three points on Saturday, but this game will not be easy.