Generation Ox

There is potential for real change this summer, with a plethora of out of contract fringe players, several loanees returning to their parent clubs, and the prospect of losing important first team players like Brannagan and Moore. So how will Oxford go about replacing them? Your memory probably tells you that it will be young players, at least two from Ireland, and a lot of wingers on loan. We've studied all of Oxford's transfers over the past four seasons - a number chosen as it was at this point that Oxford shifted from recreating the 2010 Malmo side under pep Clotet to focussing on younger assets - to test existing theories. The report also studies the twenty teams who have been in League One for at least three of the last five seasons, and analysed their transfer strategy whilst in the league to compare how Oxford's recruitment drive compares to other sides at their level.  Loan moves and permanent deals have been included to show the overall range of players that each c...

It has been obvious for a while that Mark Sykes would not be extending a deal which expires this summer, bringing a close to an up-and-down three-and-a-half years at the Kassam.   There have been several challenges during his time at the club, particularly off the pitch, culminating in a prolonged contract discussion which never looked like getting off the ground.  Mark Sykes' bold and individual personality meant this situation was always a possibility, and his ostracisation from the United squad for their final home game to Doncaster was a disappointing end to what has been an incredibly successful season for both club and player.  It is easy to see why fans may feel frustrated, maybe even betrayed by his exit.  Having put time and effort into the development of Sykes, a raw talent who drifted in and out of games and sometimes appeared out of his depth when United found him, it is frustrating that Oxford only got one prolific season from the midfielder.  ...