Oxford United finished 17th in the EFL Championship last season, finishing just outside of the relegation zone. Now, with a new season inevitable, United will be looking to improve and push on up the table in the upcoming campaign.
Ahead of their opening fixture against Portsmouth on the 9th of August, I sat down with Oxford United fan @will_oufc on X to talk all things United in an Oxford United interview.
Before we start, I would like to thank Will for taking part in this Oxford United Interview. His responses were informative and aim to give you an insight into Oxford United as a club currently.
The Oxford United Interview
Question 1. United Finished 17th Last Season. But, How Would You Summarize The Season?
“The 2024/2025 season can be broken into three parts. We started the season with a lot of momentum off the back of the playoff success under Des Buckingham, which brought us some fantastic results until around early October. But between then and Buckingham’s departure just before Christmas, we saw us win one game, so a change was needed. In came Gary Rowett, who guided us to five wins in his first seven games, which contributed to him eventually guiding us to safety.”
Question 2. What Was Your Favourite Moment Of Last Season?
“My personal favourite moment was being in the 2500 Oxford fans that travelled to Swansea on the final day of the season, securing Championship status the week before meant for party atmosphere, and it was just amazing to be a part of. The game wasn’t bad, too, a six goal thriller 3-3!”
Question 3. What Would You Rate United’s Transfer Window Out Of Ten?
“I would give it a 5/10. I don’t doubt the recruitment team are working tirelessly to make sure the right personnel are brought in, quality over quantity seems to be the plan this window. Key players like Jamie Cumming and Tyler Goodrham accepting new deals this summer is just as important as new signings, but I still feel we are two or three short, especially in attack, which hasn’t yet been addressed.”
Question 4. Who Has Been Oxford’s Best Signing Of The Summer So Far?
“Brian De Keersmaecker, a central midfielder, signed for a club record fee from Heracles in the Eredivisie, a side in which he was captain. Raving reviews from the Dutch/Belgian media is exciting and I hope Gary Rowett can get the best out of him next to Cameron Brannagan in the centre of midfield.”
Question 5. What Area Of The Squad Needs Improving The Most And Why?
“Up Front and creativity in the final third of the pitch. Last season saw us rely on set pieces and long throw-ins. Although it secured our survival, I don’t think we will be able to get away with it this season.”
Question 6. What Do You Think Of The Club Currently?
“The Club has been on the up for many years now, the ambitious owners are clearly wanting to establish us as a top 30 club in the country and secure us a home away from the Kassam. There will be a lot of obstacles off the pitch in moving stadiums, but the people in charge haven’t given me any reason to doubt them in achieving this so far.”
Question 7. Is Garry Rowett The Right Manager For Oxford United?
“Gary Rowlett’s knowledge of the division and his ability to get the best out of players has my full backing going into the season. He did incredibly well to keep us up last season; an achievement I don’t think people will realise the magnitude of until they look back on it in a few years. Rowett is perfect for what the club needs right now.”
Question 8. Are Oxford Prepared For Next Season?
“ Not yet, we need a couple more additions to our settled squad, but there is still a few weeks of the transfer window to hopefully get this sorted.”
Question 9. Who Is The Club’s Best Player Currently?
“Cameron Brannagan, a modern day Oxford Legend!”
Q10. Can You Give Me Your Prediction For How Oxford United Will Get On Next Season?
“21st, surviving by the skin of our teeth.”
Thank you for reading the Oxford United interview, if you have any feedback, please let us know in the comments below.
