Articles

What can Peter Kioso bring to Oxford? Oxford have added Rotherham right-back Peter Kioso to the squad on a long term contract, and becomes the club’s third signing since the U’s return to the Championship. What can Kioso bring to Oxford, and how is he as a person and player? Kioso, 24, was born in Dublin and qualifies for both DR Congo and Ireland, with his cousin Pelly Mpanzu playing for the former. The 6’0” full-back signed from Rotherham for an undisclosed fee, rumoured to be in the wide range of £350,000-700,000, potentially breaking Oxford’s transfer record should it be on the higher side. It is good to have another experienced player in our side, as well as a strong, young player who can improve and get better as the season...

Changes In Midfield - Josh Extends, Oisin Heads For Scotland - What Do Oxford Do Going Forward? In early June, Oxford saw midfielder Josh McEachran extend his stay at Oxford, whilst Northern Ireland midfielder Oisin Smyth left to join Scottish Premiership side St. Mirren on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee. What does this mean for Oxford and their midfield in 24/25? Starting with Oisin, the former U’s midfielder was in my opinion underused and underutilised at Oxford following his signing in January 2022 under the management of Karl Robinson. The midfielder has made a move to Scottish Premiership side St. Mirren permanently, and offers his new manager Stephen Robinson a versatile option in their midfield. Smyth leaves United...

PART THREE: Left-winger needs and requirements: Our left, like the right winger, needs to be able to press at the correct times, whilst also being able to use their awareness to hunt down defenders and to drop back when needed. Supporting the full-backs, good crossing ability and also the ability to cut inside is something we seem to utilise in our system. Providing space for a full-back overlap is also a part of their job, as is sitting more narrow and deep to support midfield and defensive build-up. Signings needed: One Left-winger option one: Millenic Alli — Permanent Millenic Alli impressed for Exeter following his step up from Non-League side FC Halifax last season during the January window. I’ve personally had my eye on Alli...

What can Will Vaulks bring to Oxford? Oxford are allegedly set to sign former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Will Vaulks for free following the 30-year-old turning down an extension at Danny Rohl’s Championship side, but what can he bring to Des Buckingham’s Oxford United? Standing at 5’11”, the right footed Welsh-capped midfielder would bring much needed experience to an Oxford side that is admittedly lacking it. Vaulks does not hide away from the ball, and is able to put in a crucial tackle or make a long ball pass forward to create attacking chances for his teammates. Sheffield Wednesday’s captain at times this season, Vaulks impressed under Rohl towards the backend of the 23/24 season and earned himself an offer of a new...

PART TWO: Left-back option one: Josh Wilson-Esbrand — Permanent or Loan Wilson-Esbrand has had a tricky season, not being able to find a comfortable home for himself, with spells at both Reims in France and Cardiff. Whilst he struggled at Cardiff, a consistent and frequent amount of playing time at Reims may have given him an extremely decent platform to perform, as he got better towards the end of his loan in France. Stats of Josh Wilson-Esbrand for Reims in 23/24 What I think is clear is that he as a player is more attack minded, with his stats across both loans showing less in the defensive areas, such as tackles, duels and touches. Through both of these loans, I think he was underutilised and could have been given the ball more...

PART ONE: Oxford United — 2024/25 Recruitment Plan Oxford United are back in the Championship for the first time in 25 years, time to go over what I’d like to see us do recruitment-wise in 24/25! Current state of affairs: Oxford have been promoted through the play-offs following a victory over Bolton at Wembley, and are heading into the second tier for the first time in two and a half decades. This means that it is very important that the club is able to compete with the squad that we have to preferably stay in the League, and with the depth we would currently not be able to. It is important that the club does not overspend into the Championship, but on the other hand the club in my opinion we will need to actually spend some...