Oxford united FC
Matt Bloomfield pays moving tribute to Amelia Aplin
Amelia was a goalkeeper in Oxford’s academy who tragically passed away after collapsing during a Junior Premier League match against Fulham back in March.
Bloomfield was in charge of the club at the time, with tributes being paid outside the training ground and Kassam Stadium as well as a minute’s silence before the U’s 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers on March 11.
Clubs and figures across the footballing world offered messages of condolence and support in the days following.
After leading Oxford to the end of the season, in which they unfortunately were relegated to League One, Bloomfield was relieved of his duties as head coach last month.
The 42-year-old was replaced by former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey, with the Yellows handing the 35-year-old his first permanent head coach role since retiring in April.
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READ MORE: Matt Bloomfield issues statement after Oxford United sacking
Mourners left heartfelt messages at the club’s training facility. (Image: Amir Steve Ali)
On Friday, the League Managers Association published a statement on behalf of Bloomfield which finished with a touching tribute to Amelia.
“I want to end by paying tribute to Amelia Aplin and her family.
“How this club and community came together at an incredibly difficult time will always stay with me and Amelia’s memory will live on in our hearts forever.”
Bloomfield also thanked the United fans in the remainder of his statement.
“It has been a privilege to be head coach at Oxford United and I want to thank the fans for their support and commitment throughout my time at this fantastic club.
“From the families who waited by my car to chat, the gifts I received at the end of the season and the young supporters who waited for photos after games, I’ve been moved by the warmth and kindness you have shown in welcoming me and my family to Oxford.
Former Oxford United head coach Matt Bloomfield has spoken out after his sacking (Image: Jason Dawson)
“The way you received the players after our final home game against Sheffield Wednesday was special and is something I will always reflect fondly on.
“Despite being unable to make up the points deficit we inherited, I’m proud of the players, coaching staff and tireless work we put in to turn the season around – the players gave everything, and I believe that if we had longer together, the outcome would have been different.
“Naturally, I’m disappointed not to be taking things forward. I was excited to continue this work and implement our clear vision to evolve the playing style and move the club forward.”
Oxford united FC
Oxford United boss Aaron Ramsey on long-awaited Huddersfield clash
The Yellows travel to West Yorkshire on Tuesday night for their third League One fixture of the season.
Ramsey’s side have drawn and won each of their first couple of third-tier games so far and will face Huddersfield for the first time in a competitive match since 2004.
The Terriers have begun the campaign with the same record, looking impressive under manager Martin Drury.
Oxford beat last season’s play-off semi-finalists Stevenage last time out, two second-half strikes seeing a resolute United past their physical opponents.
“We want to be on the front foot,” Ramsey reiterated ahead of the trip to the Accu Stadium.
“We want to be controlling games and that’s the way that my staff and I feel like is the best way to do that and win football games.
“It’s difficult to just keep taking blows and blows and trying to keep the opposition.
“For me, it’s to have as much control on the game as possible.”
The last time Oxford faced off against the Terriers was in March 2004 when they were beaten 1-0 at home in the Third Division.
In their 26 total match-ups, the Yellows have won just nine whilst Huddersfield have come away victorious on 13 occasions.
Drury’s side finished ninth in the third tier last season but, after bringing in some good new signings, are set for a strong campaign in a competitive league.
“They’re a really good team,” Ramsey admitted.
“The manager has implemented his ideas across there and you can see that they’re a settled team with good ideas.
Oxford United manager Aaron Ramsey (Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)
“But, again, full focus is on us and on how we want to approach the game.
“We’ve had a few tests so far, which we really stood up to.
“So, it’ll be different on Tuesday, another tough test, but one that will prepare the boys as best we can.
READ MORE: Ramsey says Mills departure ‘best solution’ for Oxford United
READ MORE: Ex-Oxford United goalkeeper Jacob Knightbridge joins Tottenham Hotspur
“When the boys are playing the way that they are and buying into it, yeah, of course, there has to be positivity around there.
“Obviously, as well, there’s moments when we do look back on things and we identify areas that we can improve on.
“We want to win football games, so we need to score goals. We want to be exciting.”
Tuesday night also sees the arrival of transfer deadline day.
11PM – approximately an hour after full time in West Yorkshire – sees the window slam shut.
Oxford remain under a temporary transfer embargo, however Ramsey has said that the club is “working to try and come up with a few things” after Stanley Mills left for Championship club Preston North End last week.
Oxford united FC
Oxford United CEO resignation after relegation and transfer embargo
Following a turbulent summer at Oxford United, which has included a change of manager and a transfer embargo, the club’s CEO has resigned.
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Oxford united FC
What next for Oxford United after Stanley Mills departure
The summer-long saga has felt more like a decade and surely head coach Aaron Ramsey has felt the same after enduring the ritual of being asked about Mills’ status on a weekly basis.
After missing the U’s first pre-season friendly, the winger scored in the second, a 2-1 win over Barnet, and featured in the following couple.
He then missed out in the first competitive game of the season, a 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat at Leyton Orient, before a move to PNE was confirmed by Ramsey ahead of the League One opening day, but not until January.
Mills messaged his boss requesting not to play in the 2-2 opening day home draw with MK Dons before coming off the bench to assist Gatlin O’Donkor in the Yellows’ 2-1 win at Stevenage.
That would prove to be the 22-year-old’s final display in a United shirt, the young attacker showing little enthusiasm upon Oxford taking the lead in Hertfordshire, hinting that his head had certainly been turned.
“I’ve known about it all summer and from the start I’ve wanted to be here, wanted to get going as a Preston player and now it is official.”
Stan Mills has joined Preston (Image: Jason Dawson)
Mills’ first words as a Lilywhites player say it all.
Considering the former Everton man has never scored more than three goals in a senior season, my personal opinion was that a January move would be ideal for all parties.
In an ideal world, Oxford would keep a star player for six months, Mills could get his numbers up as a standout player in a weaker league and PNE would get an in-form winger through the doors in the new year.
READ MORE: Ramsey says Mills departure ‘best solution’ for Oxford United
READ MORE: Ex-Oxford United goalkeeper Jacob Knightbridge joins Tottenham Hotspur
But patience is a rare virtue in football these days and off goes the winger to Lancashire.
So, what now for United?
The U’s are without a recognised right-sided midfielder – young Aidan Elliott-Wheeler could be considered – and remain under a temporary transfer embargo.
Aidomo Emakhu has played on the right so far this season and has offered some outlet but he does look much more comfortable in his more natural position on the right.
Oxford United’s Stan Mills celebrates Ciaron Brown’s goal against Preston North End (Image: Gary Oakley/PA Wire)
Then there is 17-year-old Mo Missanga, a youngster who helped change the tide on the opening day against MK Dons and who has excited supporters and the U’s boss alike.
Ramsey has hinted that the Yellows are searching for solutions, and it is understood that a loan transfer where Oxford do not pay any share of the player’s wages could be a way of bringing a player in before Tuesday’s deadline.
Given the circumstances, it will be difficult to replace the ability of Mills but there is certainly a sense of relief that this saga is over.
Now it is time to focus on the football and maintain a strong league position heading into January.
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