Home Match Thread 25/04/2026 - Oxford United v Sheffield Wednesday

[Malc]

Some great goals today.

 

[uptheus]

It hasn't been a failure. Last season was a stroke of luck - this season is exactly where the bookies put us. We are NOT a championship club. If you just want to spend money to have full grounds then join the Prem bandwagon. Just view these 2 seasons as a learning curve, let's get the new stadium and enjoy some wins....

I really struggle to fully understand why a new stadium that holds 4500 more seats is suddenly going to be the answer to all our prays.

Sure, we’ll have a little more money, but do we really know how much more and will it suddenly turn us into true regular Championship contenders.

If we’re basing it on money, then we didn’t have a bottom 3 budget this season, so I believe we have failed.

I think our approach to many games this season was so negative, but when some fans questioned this at the time they got lambasted by the normal few. There were games where if we had gone for it I believe we would have won.

I think the club’s and a number of fans mentality needs to change if we ever get back to the Championship e.g. in believing that we deserve to be there and give it a right bloody go. My concern is, I reckon it could take us a while to get back there. Shame, I would like to say it was good while it lasted, but I can’t as I’m disappointed we didn’t give it a proper go whilst we were there, especially when it took so long to get there.

 

[West Oxon U’s]

If you look at their previous results theyve done ok in plenty of games, getting draws losing by a goal but today they were absolute s**t, maybe the worst side ive ever seen outside of the conference?

Agreed.In recent weeks they drew at home to Leicester, Watford and Charlton and somehow achieved a goalless draw at Coventry and lost narrowly at Middlesbrough 1-0 during the week.

But yesterday in the first half they were cut to ribbons. Improved markedly after the break but were so poor overall.

I’m not up-to-date with where they are takeover wise but the Owls could really struggle next season with that squad. Probably need a new head coach too and a complete reset.

 

[uptheus]

Surprised that some predicted a defeat/ draw and said what a difficult game it would be

I wonder how it would have played out if we needed the win if results had gone our way.

Additionally, I wonder how Sheffield would have approached the game if they had something to prove e.g. when they played Coventry or Boro etc and got draws against teams who were fighting for first and second place meaning they had/wanted something to prove. Even their manager was bemused by their mentality towards the game. Sure, when the season started we all knew they were going to be the whipping boys, but they galvanised throughout the season and gave a good account of themselves under very difficult circumstances and recently gave better teams than us a game for their money, but as yesterday was a nothing game I think that helped it turn into the game it was.

We’ll never know if the game meant something other than pride if we would have made the game look that easy, but it would have been interesting to see if circumstances had been different how it would have turned out. Just don’t think you can gauge yesterday’s game, hence the pre-season game comments.

 

[TailsWeWin]

There were more than a few embarrassing chants again yesterday. Who ARE these plonkers who seem to think that it’s funny to sing about “going down with the Wednesday”?
And visiting Bromley next season? The same idiots who sang “How s**t are we?” at various away grounds. You are not amusing. You are not encouraging our players.

You are EMBARRASSING

 

[RgYellows]

There were more than a few embarrassing chants again yesterday. Who ARE these plonkers who seem to think that it’s funny to sing about “going down with the Wednesday”?
And visiting Bromley next season? The same idiots who sang “How s**t are we?” at various away grounds. You are not amusing. You are not encouraging our players.

You are EMBARRASSING

Get over it. Sheff Wed were doing the same, and it’s a lot better that the outright abuse that I saw Blackburn, West Brom and Watford fans subject their own players to in recent weeks. And that wasn’t even for relegation - just for losing to Oxford.

Honestly, the determination to criticise our fellow supporters for failing to live up to some standard that does not exist has been my least favourite thing about this season.

Incidentally, I look forward to finding out if I attended enough games this year for the club to allow me to spend my money on another season ticket in L1.

 

[holdsteady]

There were more than a few embarrassing chants again yesterday. Who ARE these plonkers who seem to think that it’s funny to sing about “going down with the Wednesday”?
And visiting Bromley next season? The same idiots who sang “How s**t are we?” at various away grounds. You are not amusing. You are not encouraging our players.

You are EMBARRASSING

We are going to Bromley next season. Well the team and the 600 fans who manage to get tickets are, not certain there was any malice in those chants.

 

[holdsteady]

Get over it. Sheff Wed were doing the same, and it’s a lot better that the outright abuse that I saw Blackburn, West Brom and Watford fans subject their own players to in recent weeks. And that wasn’t even for relegation - just for losing to Oxford.

Honestly, the determination to criticise our fellow supporters for failing to live up to some standard that does not exist has been my least favourite thing about this season.

Incidentally, I look forward to finding out if I attended enough games this year for the club to allow me to spend my money on another season ticket in L1.

I have just realised we won’t get teams like Oxford next season, teams like Bromley and we might be the ones doing it. No manager ms getting sacked because they only get a draw against us. You truly don’t miss something till it’s gone.

 

[Eaststanding]

Go on then, enlighten me - what is this relegation? While you're at it, let me know where we're going to finish in League One next season, given league standings are evidently a forgone conclusion before a ball is kicked.

I am fully aware that this season was always going to be a challenge and I appreciate we are one of the smaller clubs with one of the smallest budgets.

What I am not willing to partake in is the 'oh didn't the players tried hard' and 'we should be happy we got TWO seasons at this level' crap. If I was one of the players I'd find that unbelievable patronising. I also don't buy the 'we'll be back' and 'we're going to win the League' assertions (not least cause I remember the same being said in 2006). League One is a bloody hard league to get out of, it will not be straightforward.

I really hope the powers that be at the club are not as happy as some fans are with our participation medal. There has been several failures over the course of the last couple of seasons and if heads don't roll then at the very least improvements need to be made.

We got relegated. It's s**t. We're allowed to say and acknowledge that. Doing so is not suggesting it's a 'life ending experience' (?), it's just a normal reaction from football fans who want their team to succeed. The mutual backslapping on RadOx about how great the fanbase has been was actually quite cringeworthy. As was the song asking for Lankshear to stay another year - kind of goes to show the lack of understanding at how much of a drop in levels it is.

I’ve never said we’d go straight back up, it’s a tough league and it’s not a given we will compete at the top. If that’s the view of others, they’re entitled to it.
We’ve made mistakes, every club does, whether we learn from them is another matter.
But you’re out of order criticising the fanbase; we’ve travelled in great numbers and filled the ground at home. I’m proud of our fanbase.

 

[Essexyellows]

That Sheffield Wednesday team, although likely a young average age, would be a L2 team at best I would have thought. It's difficult to gauge though.

Sheffield Wednesday starting next season on -15 may make them a L2 club soon enough.

 

[Common Villager]

I’ve never said we’d go straight back up, it’s a tough league and it’s not a given we will compete at the top. If that’s the view of others, they’re entitled to it.
We’ve made mistakes, every club does, whether we learn from them is another matter.
But you’re out of order criticising the fanbase; we’ve travelled in great numbers and filled the ground at home. I’m proud of our fanbase.

The only thing I've been critical of is the 'oh well, we were lucky to be here anyway' attitude on WATG yesterday. We weren't lucky to be in the Championship, we earned the right to be there. Relegation, despite always being a possibility, was not a foregone conclusion, especially considering three teams have had points deductions throughout the season. We take the p**s out of opposition fans for their 'teams like Oxford' posts, and yet the shoulder shrugging in response to our relegation suggests they were right to have that attitude.

 

[Chris on a Bike]

There were more than a few embarrassing chants again yesterday. Who ARE these plonkers who seem to think that it’s funny to sing about “going down with the Wednesday”?
And visiting Bromley next season? The same idiots who sang “How s**t are we?” at various away grounds. You are not amusing. You are not encouraging our players.

You are EMBARRASSING

This × 1000.

 

[Made-in-Jericho]

Frustrating that our most sparkling display, highest-scoring game in two seasons and first double over any team came just after relegation was confirmed!
I’m glad I bothered going despite knowing it was all over at least I got to witness some sublime goals.
We are left thinking what could have been!
Good support considering everything but it was such a strange atmosphere.
Do we always suffer relegation when 5 goals are scored?
Stockport
Orient
Sheff Wed

 

[trainingcone]

I'm really gutted that we have got relegated this season. If only we had won the home games against Charlton and Hull and the away game at pompey, we could have been in a good position in staying up for next season. If we stayed up, next season I think that it would be a challenge in staying up. This club is definately held back with the ground situation, where kassam pulls the strings and oufc missing out a lot of revenue earned at the ground.This club has done well over the years under these bad conditions at the kastad. Winning the playoff against york in 2010 was a big step in securing the future of oufc, without that, all these years later oufc or a pheonix club will still be trying to get into the football league. The giant leap now is securing the future of the club with the stadium being built at the triangle. Without this there will be no return to the
championship in the future.
I would hope that the club has learnt alot during the 2 year stay in the championship and build on it for the future of this great club.

 

[Eric Blair]

I was determined to enjoy yesterday and I did. The next day though relegation sets in and it is a bitter pill to swallow. I’ve loved the Championship and I’m very sad not to be there next season. I’m sorry for the players who worked hard, the management team who got close and above all the fans.

The priority now is how to we come back up as quickly as possible and as prepared as possible.

I imagine a lot of people will disagree but I want consistency. That means Matt and the management team staying. Yes, I know all the counter arguments (sacked early at Luton this season etc) but I think he is what we need for League One, there is something about him and the players see to respond well to him.

I also think we should try and keep most of the first team squad if we can. We are better now in all positions than when we came up (arguably not including young Josh Murphy). We lose Konack and Lanks (sadly) and probably BdK but I would sign Donely if the money allows (exactly the profile of player we want). I would try to keep players like Currie and Mills. We have a very good League One squad with togetherness and championship experience. League One is hard to get out of but we have the skeleton of a great side.

Finally on Currie. He was randomly in the car park chatting to fans before the match. The lad is an absolute gem. Thoughtful, decent and clever. I don’t think he was yanking our chain when he was saying he really wants to stay next season and he loves this club. “Oxford Utd is special” etc etc. A fine role model to the younger fans hanging about. I was so impressed with him.

 

[Under The Cuckoo Lane]

I also wonder if all the games had kicked off at same time, WBA and Charlton might have felt a bit more pressure had they got wind that we were in front, and vice versa. I think the final 3 games should all be played simultaneously.
Won't happen though.

 

[Marked Ox]

I really struggle to fully understand why a new stadium that holds 4500 more seat is suddenly going to be the answer to all our preys.

Sure, we’ll have a little more money, but do we really know how much more and that it will turn us into true regular Championship contenders.

If we’re basing it on money, then we didn’t have a bottom 3 budget this season, so I believe we have failed.

I think our approach to many games this season was so negative, but when some fans questioned this at the time they got lambasted by the normal few. There were games where if we had gone for it I believe we would have won.

I think the club’s and a number of fans mentality needs to change if we ever get back to the Championship e.g. in believing that we deserve to be there and give it a right bloody go. My concern is, I reckon it could take us a while to get back there. Shame, I would like to say it was good while it lasted, but I can’t as I’m disappointed we didn’t give it a proper go whilst we were there, especially when it took so long to get there.

Based on the figures mentioned, the new stadium would be a fair bit more than "a little more money". This would also help with PSR etc.

 

[Sarge]

it was great to see Oxford United play an attacking game- and score 4 goals- at home yesterday- cant help wishing that attacking approach had been employed in other games, home games especially, this season. If we had have maybe we'd have another 6-8 or more points on the board and Championship safety assured for next season.

IF we were going to be playing Championship football next season, Ive a feeling this time next year we would be sitting around mid-table. Hey ho

I was lucky enough to watch Oxford United climb from non league to old Division 2 ( now the Championship) in 6( or was it 7) seasons? I saw the glory years of the 80s under Jim Smith , back to back promotions, then 3 seasons , including winning the League/ Milk cup, in old Division 1 , the top flight (now the PL)

Ive seen highs and lows from the name change from Headington United to Oxford United to now

although weve not spent as much time in old Division 2/ The Championship as perhaps we could, or should, have, I think Oxford United's natural place in the EFL football pyramid is in the Championship, around mid table

heres hoping the U's can do a Cardiff and come back up at the first attempt!

When will Season Tickets go on sale for next season ?

 

[Marked Ox]

it was great to see Oxford United play an attacking game- and score 4 goals- at home yesterday- cant help wishing that attacking approach had been employed in other games, home games especially, this season. If we had have maybe we'd have another 6-8 or more points on the board and Championship safety assured for next season.

IF we were going to be playing Championship football next season, Ive a feeling this time next year we would be sitting around mid-table. Hey ho

I was lucky enough to watch Oxford United climb from non league to old Division 2 ( now the Championship) in 6( or was it 7) seasons? I saw the glory years of the 80s under Jim Smith , back to back promotions, then 3 seasons , including winning the League/ Milk cup, in old Division 1 , the top flight (now the PL)

Ive seen highs and lows from the name change from Headington United to Oxford United to now

although weve not spent as much time in old Division 2/ The Championship as perhaps we could, or should, have, I think Oxford United's natural place in the EFL football pyramid is in the Championship, around mid table

heres hoping the U's can do a Cardiff and come back up at the first attempt!

When will Season Tickets go on sale for next season ?

Hopefully.

Also both Luton and Plymouth can make the final Play Off spot albeit Stevenage currently occupy that.

 

[uptheus]

Based on the figures mentioned, the new stadium would be a fair bit more than "a little more money". This would also help with PSR etc.

I understand it can potentially help with the PSR, but additionally we still need to be cuter/smarter, but how much more financially is it going to help?

 

[90syeIlow]

Get over it. Sheff Wed were doing the same, and it’s a lot better that the outright abuse that I saw Blackburn, West Brom and Watford fans subject their own players to in recent weeks. And that wasn’t even for relegation - just for losing to Oxford.

Honestly, the determination to criticise our fellow supporters for failing to live up to some standard that does not exist has been my least favourite thing about this season.

Incidentally, I look forward to finding out if I attended enough games this year for the club to allow me to spend my money on another season ticket in L1.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with criticising fans that chant like morons. It's cringeworthy and embarrassing having to listen to these braindead chants that aren't funny unless you're below the age of 17.

Put yourself in the position of the players having to listen to that 'how s**t are we' etc.

 

[uptheus]

I’ve never said we’d go straight back up, it’s a tough league and it’s not a given we will compete at the top. If that’s the view of others, they’re entitled to it.
We’ve made mistakes, every club does, whether we learn from them is another matter.
But you’re out of order criticising the fanbase; we’ve travelled in great numbers and filled the ground at home. I’m proud of our fanbase.

Yep, just the response I would expect. It’s obvious that not all fans are ‘happy clappers’ made by the poster, but that wouldn’t meet your agenda to garner support from the ‘I don’t care what happens, it was a good day out’ crowd! AKA Happy Clappers!

 

[Marked Ox]

I understand it can potentially help with the PSR, but additionally we still need to be cuter/smarter, but how much more financially is it going to help?

Tim Williams at the Fans Forum suggested it could increase revenue by around £16m a year iirc. Obviously there are costs against that but still it helps significantly.

 

[TailsWeWin]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with criticising fans that chant like morons. It's cringeworthy and embarrassing having to listen to these braindead chants that aren't funny unless you're below the age of 17.

Put yourself in the position of the players having to listen to that 'how s**t are we' etc.

Absolutely this. I wonder if said morons also sang “Going down, going down….” at the players as they paraded their families around the pitch at the end?

 

[ThatSlopesATwelfthMan]

I understand it can potentially help with the PSR, but additionally we still need to be cuter/smarter, but how much more financially is it going to help?

Not paying extortionate rent
Not sacrificing all the income from food, drink etc. on match days
Non match-day conference and event fees throughout the year
Hotel and a bunch of other rental/affiliate income streams

Basically everything that makes a modern football club tick financially beyond ticket sales but which kassam currently takes

 

[West Oxon U’s]

 

[Foley]

Sure, we’ll have a little more money, but do we really know how much more and will it suddenly turn us into true regular Championship contenders.

A lot more than a 'little more money'
According to the clubbat the fans forum, turnover will go from £19m to circa £35m in the Championship due to the new ground ( extra seats but presumably the catering would be a huge difference as well as the hotel).

 

[RgYellows]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with criticising fans that chant like morons. It's cringeworthy and embarrassing having to listen to these braindead chants that aren't funny unless you're below the age of 17.

Put yourself in the position of the players having to listen to that 'how s**t are we' etc.

I’d take being a Championship footballer and hearing that song over my own job every single day of every single week from the big bang to the end of time to be fair.

 

[uptheus]

Not paying extortionate rent
Not sacrificing all the income from food, drink etc. on match days
Non match-day conference and event fees throughout the year
Hotel and a bunch of other rental/affiliate income streams

Basically everything that makes a modern football club tick financially beyond ticket sales but which kassam currently takes

Will the investors not use some of this income to offset the stadium costs?

 

[uptheus]

it was great to see Oxford United play an attacking game- and score 4 goals- at home yesterday- cant help wishing that attacking approach had been employed in other games, home games especially, this season. If we had have maybe we'd have another 6-8 or more points on the board and Championship safety assured for next season.

IF we were going to be playing Championship football next season, Ive a feeling this time next year we would be sitting around mid-table. Hey ho

I was lucky enough to watch Oxford United climb from non league to old Division 2 ( now the Championship) in 6( or was it 7) seasons? I saw the glory years of the 80s under Jim Smith , back to back promotions, then 3 seasons , including winning the League/ Milk cup, in old Division 1 , the top flight (now the PL)

Ive seen highs and lows from the name change from Headington United to Oxford United to now

although weve not spent as much time in old Division 2/ The Championship as perhaps we could, or should, have, I think Oxford United's natural place in the EFL football pyramid is in the Championship, around mid table

heres hoping the U's can do a Cardiff and come back up at the first attempt!

When will Season Tickets go on sale for next season ?

That’s my feeling and thoughts too Sarge, just felt we should have gone for it a bit more, especially at home and who knows !

 

[uptheus]

Tim Williams at the Fans Forum suggested it could increase revenue by around £16m a year iirc. Obviously there are costs against that but still it helps significantly.

But will Erik/owners still support the circa £17.5m losses or will our accounts basically balance, so, in theory the overall spend will be £16m and similar to the last couple of seasons or will it be circa £29m e.g. £16m + £13m (amount you’re allowed to lose/annum over 3 years?)