Generation Ox

When Oxford last Saturday scraped past the Shrimpers, Marcus Browne provided the assist for the winning goal.  This game also saw the on-loan winger start his fourth game in a row, a run which has coincided with Oxford’s four wins on the bounce. This begs the question of just how big an impact has the Boro winger has had since he returned to the club. Browne rejoined Oxford on 9 January and has started seven of the eleven league games since his arrival. However in this period Oxford have won just five of these games. Oxford’s average points per game has improved since Browne joined the club. But that does not necessarily link to the quality of oxford’s performance. The 22 year old may show his quality on the ball, but the rest of the team’s average possession is down 2% in the games Browne has started compared to the average before he joined. Oxford also average 26 less passes per match when Browne starts compared to when he does not. He may have the skills on the ball,

Be it tangible interest, a power-play or a genuine falling between the communications space-time continuum that is Thailand, Blackpool's moves to tempt Karl Robinson to the seaside definitely set minds thinking to the prospect of losing the man guiding Oxford's most convincing attempt in 20 years of a return to the Championship. For much of his time Robinson has split opinion among Oxford fans - evident again in the mutterings during a stumbling start to the new season. For what's its worth, I'm a Robinson fan - I like the way his teams play passing football, but with a hint of devil in it often missing from the purists efforts - but was never concerned about the Blackpool approach. Why swap for a mid-table side with nothing to play for when he has a free hit at Oxford. United are well-placed for a tilt for the play-offs that can only enhance his reputation (or even get him into the Championship!) - and if we miss out, it will all - not unreasonably - be blamed on

Just what the world needs - another Oxford United blog! This is Generation Ox; a father and son blog which offers, theoretically at least, different perspectives and analysis of OUFC. You'll quickly be able to work out which is which; one focuses on stats to find interesting trends and analysis, while the other will doubtless find ways to gratuitously crowbar in references to players like Sean Reck, Mark Angel and Anton Rogan. Anyway will be posting away - and if you enjoy or find our what we write of any interest please spread the word!