‘Meeting the opposition’ – Oxford United F.C
Tranmere are one game away from Wembley, the home of England in which they have won promotion to the Football League and League One in recent times. This game will be played on Tuesday night against Karl Robinson’s Oxford United F.C. With that in mind, I placed questions towards Yellows supporter @will_oufc to find out about the Kassam Stadium club’s on and off pitch positions going into the game whilst getting his pre-match predictions.
How long have you been an Oxford United fan? How did you first come across the club?
I started following Oxford around 2006/2007, back when we were playing the likes of Northwich Victoria and Kettering in the Conference. The position change in the football pyramid doesn’t lie, we have been on the up since then.
What is your proudest moment as a Oxford United supporter?
There have been many highs in my time supporting Oxford United: our record against our rivals Swindon, promotion from both the Conference and League Two and several giant killings in the FA cup. However, my proudest was beating Wycombe 3-0 to secure promotion to League One on the final day in 2016, which topped off a special season with a special squad.
Random fact about Oxford United?
We have only been called Oxford United since the 1960s, previous to that the club name was Headington United.
What are your thoughts on the campaign so far? What were your expectations going into the season and what are they now in the final stages?
I think after the play-off heartbreak of last season starting the current campaign was always going to be tricky. However, with nine wins out of our last ten in the league putting us up to seventh, is whereabouts I expected us to finish. Hopefully we can go on one better than last season.
Former Charlton Athletic gaffer Karl Robinson has called the Kassam Stadium home since 2018, what are your thoughts on him?
There have been a couple of real low points under Karl, but I think overall it’s obvious to see the improvements we have made since he joined in March 2018. Not only the exciting football he has implemented into the team but he is also a great representative for the club off the pitch as he has mentioned the importance of mental health and stamping racism out of the game on multiple occasions.
What are your thoughts on the owners of the club?
The current owners joined a similar time to Robinson, it’s fair to say it took them a fair bit of time to get the fans on board. However, with the backing they have shown to the manager over the past couple of years it does seem to be a real exciting time to be supporting Oxford
What players will pose the greatest threats to Tranmere on Tuesday?
It’s hard to tell how the team will line up for the Papa Johns Trophy but with a fair few players rested today against Wigan, I’m sure it’ll be a strong eleven. Top scorer Matty Taylor has 11 goals this season and will be a threat to any defence. As well as Josh Ruffels who has become a real attacking threat from left back with 6 goal contributions in 2021.
Your score prediction?
I expect a close tight game between both sides, it will be tough for us due to playing on Sunday then Tuesday. However, I do think the quality we have will put us through.
Oxford 2-1 Tranmere
What is your opinion on Tranmere?
I do think Tranmere are a league below to where they should be after an up and down last few years. They’re a well supported club and very hard done by to go down on PPG last season. With an experienced manager at that level in Keith Hill, I expect you to be back in league 1 soon.
What are your thoughts on the club’s January transfer window business?
If I’ve done my maths correct, Oxford brought in four new players in January. The main threats being Elliot Lee from Luton and Brandon Barker from Rangers, both on loan. Both players have already netted their first goals for the club and add real exciting attacking quality to what we already have going forwards.
- Oxford United’s top scorer Matt Taylor will pose questions of the Tranmere defence if he is to play on Tuesday night.
I would like to thank Will for his time answering the questions that I placed towards him. This Papa Johns Trophy semi final is a game in which both sets of fans, including neutrals, should be excited for as both outfits have a good chance of victory. I hope that readers enjoyed this Q+A.
Thank you very much for reading,
Stay safe,
Ethan Hoijord