Generation Ox

Oxford's comfortable victory at Oxford City was played in the background of an increasingly urgent situation in the transfer market.  After slow progress so far, Robinson will be hoping for several more incomings in the next few weeks, or his squad will be looking very thin when they travel to Pride Park at the end of the month.  Unsurprisingly for Robinson, one of his main priorities seems to be strengthening wide areas, where he suggested Oxford are looking to bring in another three players .  We've used data scouting to analyse some possible wingers Oxford could target, looking at their strengths and weaknesses to show how they would fit into this United side.  This is the second in a series of scouting reports, and for information on some of the techniques we'll be using during the piece, check out our scouting report on potential centre back signings .  Josh Martin  Norwich City LW/RW 20 Possible Transfer Type: Permanent Josh Martin finished last sea...

After a flurry of early contract extensions, Oxford's transfer business has slowed in recent weeks.  Luke McNally followed Mark Sykes and Ryan Williams out of the door, and so far only Ciaron Brown has arrived as a replacement. In the coming weeks, we'll be detailing which players and positions Oxford can target, using data scouting to analyse how they would fit into the United team and whether they are a possible signing for the Yellows.  First up is arguably the most important area for strengthening; central defence.  Ciaron Brown has signed on a permanent deal following a successful loan spell last season, but this blog certainly has its doubts over his suitability starting in a back four .  Whether Brown is a starter or not, though, Oxford will need to add both quality and depth to their backline if they want to challenge at the top end of the division.  Radar Maps If your new to this blog then you may be unfamiliar with the radar map, but it is a fairly sim...

The signing of Ciaron Brown makes total sense. He is a sloid, left footed centre back who knows the club well and is physically more than capable of challenging in the upper echelons of League One.  In his loan spell at the club last season he showed versatility and commitment, becoming a fans favourite with his performances at left back.  But his loan spell also showed his limits as a player and how, if Oxford are to return to the back four which Karl Robinson has hinted at, a top quality centre back addition, perhaps even two, are needed before United can consider pushing at the top of League One.  Brown's Defensive Game  Brown's major weapon is his physicality, and he particularly excelled in his defensive duels last year.  According to data from fbref, Ciaron Brown won as many tackles as both Jordan Thorniley and Elliot Moore (20), despite playing significantly less minutes than both.  It meant he ended the season averaging more tackles won per 90 than ...