Oxford United Season Preview: end of an era

Tidy football, shrewd recruitment, two Wembley finals, seven cup scalps, 205 goals, one promotion… oh, and a highest finish in 18 years. The last two seasons could not have gone much better for Oxford United, but the orchestrator of them, Michael Appleton, has now departed. Supporter George Elek of the excellent Not The Top 20 Podcast reflects on his time in charge ahead of the new season.
 
He’s the best manager we have had in the past twenty-odd years, without question. His influence on the club can’t be over-estimated, it’s just a shame that he hasn’t left us for the top-flight managerial role that he is kitted out for.

Appleton’s replacement is Pep Clotet, whose experience is largely as an assistant. Given the circumstances, was it important to appoint someone who is unlikely to demand structural change?

Yes definitely. Derek Fazackerley and Chrissy Allen run the coaching side, whilst the recruitment team in place have plucked gems such as Marvin Johnson, John Lundstram and Simon Eastwood.

Clotet will obviously implement his own ideas in time, but not rocking the boat is crucial as we need to build on the momentum from the past two seasons.

With squad size reduced and loanees such as Toni Martinez and Conor McAleny not returning, some might argue your squad right now is weaker than the one that finished last season. Additions needed?

Yes, and Chris Maguire hasn’t signed a new deal yet either. Chairman Darryl Eales has alluded to his intention to use the loan market towards the end of the window, but I’d expect at least one more striker in on a permanent deal.

Expected Goals would suggest finishing was a bigger problem last year than creativity. Do midfielders need to step up more on that front?

Not really. The midfield two Lundstram and Ledson to regain possession and create from deep. Neither with regularly score. James Henry should score some goals off the right, and Marvin Johnson has a thunderbolt of a left peg. Kane Hemmings has to find his shooting boots this season in the league as he gets into the positions to score a fair few.

New signing Jonathan Obika tends to play just off a main striker. Will he play second fiddle to Chris Maguire?

I like your optimism that Mags will sign! If he does then I would expect so yes. Hemmings could profit from Obika as too often last season he was isolated up top; Obika would give him the freedom to play as more of a poacher.

 Some feel deep-lying midfielder John Lundstram is best complimented by a partner who does more of the leg work. With Liam Sercombe leaving, who do you see doing that role this season?

Sercombe was a bit part player last season, and didn’t feature at all in the last couple of months so he won’t leave a big hole. Ryan Ledson and John Lundstram will be the partnership in the middle, with Joe Rothwell pushing them both. All three have huge futures.

Goalkeeper Simon Eastwood dominated last season’s Player of the Year awards. Unless he gets injured, it’s hard to see new signing Scott Shearer ever starting…

If Eastwood stays fit he will want to start every game next season again – and there seems little reason why he wouldn’t.

Key man Curtis Nelson, along with new centre-backs Fiacre Kelleher and Charlie Raglan are all right footed. Who plays on the left?

Good question, and one that troubles me. We had agreed a deal with left-footed Liam Lindsay, who went to Barnsley, but Appleton’s departure scuppered that. We look set to sign Mike Williamson, who is also right-footed, when I think we should be looking to finally replace Jake Wright.

Phil Edwards and Joe Skarz are now at Bury. Is this an opportunity to bring in more adventurous full-backs?

Pep has already said that he think Marvin Johnson is the best left-back in the league, which has irked some fans who would like to see him play further forward. Christian Ribeiro, who was injured last season, will play on the right side. Both will provide much more threat going forward.

Young winger Chanice Carroll put in a couple of good performances at the end of last season. Are you encouraged that he’s been tied down to a three-year deal?

His future won’t be on the wing, although he excelled there last season. He’ll provide cover at right-back and holding midfield, and looks to have a massive future.

What are your thoughts ahead of the League One season as a whole? Any potential dark horses for you?

Maybe not a dark horse, but I’m surprised at Fleetwood’s place in the betting. I think last year’s play-off semi-finalists will go well again.

Where will you finish?

It’s hard to say, hoping for play-offs but I will guess between 8th-12th.

The Football Lab’s Verdict

Clotet looks a suitable appointment for Oxford, who need swift recruitment after a turbulent June. Henry will add quality while Nelson and Eastwood should have another big season, but with McAleny not returning and Maguire’s future unclear, they may fall short of the top six. 8th