Football Season Guide

Karl Robinson has cut a rather frustrated figure during a summer which sees him head into a fourth season at Oxford United. A rather ignominious defeat to Blackpool in the play-offs saw last season end on a sour note and he has had another fight on his hands to keep his best players at the club. Left-back Josh Ruffels departure was expected and he has opted to join Huddersfield Town. The loss of centre-back Rob Atkinson is a bigger blow albeit softened by a significant seven-figure transfer fee. It won’t be any consolation to Robinson however, who complained that the club had sold 11-and-a-half million pounds worth of talent and implied that they were happy to accept a play-off finish and not really got for it. There is cause for optimism however with the U’s already possessing the basis of a strong squad. Goalkeeper Jack Stevens enjoyed a breakthrough season, midfielder Cameron Brannigan recovered from a serious eye problem to re-capture his best form and midfielder Marcus McGuane’s return from injury after making his loan move permanent will be a big boost. Steve Seddon’s arrival from Birmingham City could be an upgrade on Ruffels whilst wingers Billy Bodin and Ryan Williams will be looking to supply more goals for striker Matty Taylor. Robinson is far from finished in the transfer market and is looking for a left-sided centre-back and two left-wingers. It does feel however that this could be his last attempt to achieve promotion with the U’s.