Oxford united FC
Oxford United’s O’Donkor praises Aaron Ramsey expertise
The 21-year-old scored the second goal in a 3-1 win over Aldershot Town at the EBB Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Pouncing on a mistake from the Shots goalkeeper, O’Donkor slid in to score the U’s second in quick succession as the visitors came back from a goal behind.
Aidomo Emakhu and Jeon Jin-woo also scored to seal a victory in new head coach Aaron Ramsey’s first game in front of supporters.
After a season curtailed by injuries and personal issues, the centre forward looks hungry to take his chance this term with the Yellows in the midst of a transfer embargo.
“It feels great to be back out there,” O’Donkor emphasised.
“Obviously, a lot of injuries last year; it wasn’t a great season for me.
“Couldn’t really show what I’m capable of last year. But I’m just trying to remind everyone this year what I can bring to the team and hopefully today’s a good start.
“I hope so,” the Englishman answered when asked whether he would be breathing down striker teammate Mark Harris’ neck for a place in the starting XI this season.
“I’m happy with playing my part this season. Obviously, I would like to play an important role.”
Gatlin O’Donkor shoots for Oxford United (Image: Oxford United)
O’Donkor last played for the U’s first team in August 2025, a 1-0 win over Colchester United in the Carabao Cup under then-boss Gary Rowett.
Two head coaches later, the former Bristol Rovers and Barnet loanee is lining up for former Arsenal and Premier League icon Aaron Ramsey.
“[He has been] really good to be fair.
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“He’s come in, implemented his own style and he’s big on, obviously, the little things. Timings and the quality of pass and the finer details.
“He’s big on that. And I think it’s really good that the team’s taken well to him and just trying to implement his style of play onto the pitch.
Gatlin O’Donkor in action for Oxford United (Image: Mike Allen)
“I think the boys are really enjoying the way he wants to play so far.
“It’s nice to have someone with expertise at the club; he can bring a lot of knowledge.
“He’s played at the highest level there is in football. It’s good to learn from someone like that.
“But it’s more about the way he coaches, the way he carries himself and the ideas he brings to the club.
“It’s something that we all needed. And if it’s going to help us through the year, then obviously, it’s perfect for us.”
Oxford united FC
Oxford United have three League One fixtures moved
The U’s away match at Wigan Athletic has been delayed by 24 hours and will now be played on January 20, with an 8pm kick-off. It will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event.
The return Thames Valley Derby against Reading, scheduled for February 6, will start at 12.30pm.
United’s home fixture against Luton Town on February 27 will also be shown on television and will kick off at 12.30pm.
The U’s are third in the League One table and have gone 10 games unbeaten. They beat Thames Valley rivals Reading 2-0 on Wednesday night.
Broadcast selections for March 5-8, 2027, will be announced by February 5, with weekly announcements then covering four weeks ahead.
Oxford united FC
Oxford United boss lifts lid on Cumming suspension and Helik injury
Cumming was left out of the squad due to suspension as Oxford beat Thames Valley rivals Reading 2-0 in League One, whilst Helik was forced off in the second half with an injury.
The win saw Reading-born duo Gatlin O’Donkor and Mo Missanga score at the Kassam Stadium to extend the Yellows’ league unbeaten run to 10 games.
U’s goalkeeper Cumming was not available in midweek after being sent off in the final minutes against Barnsley last weekend.
The club had appealed against the red card, with Ramsey providing an update after the match: “They said the decision was the same as the ref’s decision, and they didn’t want to change it.
“So, look, it is what it is. We have to deal with it.
READ MORE: Oxford United player ratings as captain Brannagan inspires win over Royals
READ MORE: Oxford United beat Reading in substitute-inspired Thames Valley derby win
“And then, look, it gives opportunity again for Simon Eastwood to come in and have another solid performance with a clean sheet.
“So, we have players who are ready.”
Cumming will see out a three-game suspension, with it understood that he will miss the weekend’s FA Cup clash with Stevenage but will be available in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy against Cheltenham Town.
The United boss also opened up on the injury to Helik, saying: “He had a knock on his knee from the last match [against Barnsley].
Michal Helik heads at goal for Oxford (Image: Darrell Fisher)
“He’s done well to get through the minutes that he did tonight.
“He felt it a little bit, but no risk taken there.
“So, an opportunity now for him to recover a little bit before the league starts up again.
“We’ll assess him. We’ll see how he responds over the next few days.”
Oxford united FC
Aaron Ramsey reveals message to Oxford United goal scorers
The Reading-born duo scored the goals to secure a 2-0 win for the U’s, the first victory over their Thames Valley rivals since 1999.
The win saw Oxford extend their League One unbeaten run to 10 games and remain third in the division, three points off top spot.
Academy graduates O’Donkor and Missanga made the difference in the second half, coming off the bench to inspire a cut-throat second half.
Ramsey revealed his message to the young duo after the match, saying: “When I was bringing them both on, I said, look, you’re both going to have big impacts here tonight, and this is made for you boys to come on and get your goals.
“I’m really pleased that they came on and had those impacts and have their moments to share with the fans.”
Gatlin O’Donkor celebrates scoring against Reading (Image: Darrell Fisher)
The ex-Arsenal added: “Them coming on tonight and getting a goal is brilliant for both of them because they’ve been really good and they’ve worked really hard over the last few weeks.
“So, for them to get a reward for that with a goal each tonight is pleasing.”
The midweek win is yet another result to be proud of for Ramsey’s side who have only been defeated once in the league in all 13 games played so far.
The head coach continued: “I’m super proud of my team.
“The way that we performed throughout the whole 90 minutes, I was really pleased with.
“I thought we controlled the game in the first half. We had to be a bit more patient, try and switcher a few times and make them work, because then you go into the second half and the demands are so high that we put on teams that opportunities do appear.
READ MORE: Oxford United player ratings as captain Brannagan inspires win over Royals
READ MORE: Oxford United beat Reading in substitute-inspired Thames Valley derby win
“Sometimes it’s like that, but I thought the way that we got into our structure, I thought our controlling positions were really good tonight.
“Moments of quality then. When the ball is a free kick or a throw-in, it’s not an option for us to rest, and that’s when we become alive. That was evident in the goal today.”
Ramsey has made an incredible impact since joining the club in the summer, navigating a transfer embargo and bringing together a young squad.
In his first permanent head coach role, the former Wales international is thriving in the dugout.
He finished: “I’m loving every moment of it.
“Me and my staff, full credit to them as well. We work hard to give our players the best opportunities to go out and win football games.
“It’s a real pleasure to be here.”
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