Oxford united FC
Oxford United watch on as PFA submit challenge to EFL rules
Oxford United fell victim to changes made by the EFL to SCMP last month and were handed a temporary transfer embargo for failing to comply with the regulations which were amended in May.
The embargo was confirmed just under three weeks after Aaron Ramsey’s arrival as Oxford United head coach, replacing Matt Bloomfield.
Under the adjusted rules, the proportion of revenue that League One clubs are permitted to use for player salaries has been lowered to 50 per cent from a previous 60 per cent.
In addition, clubs are restricted to spending a maximum of 50 per cent of owner “equity injection2 on squad wages.
In the framework, managers’ pay has been included for the first time.
The claim put forward by the PFA is that the rules adjustments were made without the correct consultation across the Professional Football Negotiating and Consultative Committee (PFNCC).
This organisation includes the EFL, Premier League, FA and PFA.
In response to the PFA’s appeal, the EFL issues a statement saying: “The EFL is concerned and disappointed at the position adopted by the PFA, following its decision to issue legal proceedings in respect of the approved changes to the League One SCMP.
“The changes simply amend an existing framework designed to support responsible cost control and improve financial sustainability across League One.
“The proposed changes have been discussed at length through the PFNCC process, including with the PFA, and the EFL has taken those discussions into account.
“The League does not accept that the PFA’s position is correct.”
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The challenge brought forward by the PFA brings questions towards Oxford’s current embargo; is it justified and should it continue whilst the rules that the U’s have not complied with are being challenged?
Speaking to The Dub, BBC Radio Oxford’s podcast, former PFA chair and Yellows defender Ben Purkiss offered his thoughts: “The effect of it, to the extent that the PFA are successful, will obviously come to Oxford United’s aid and to any other football clubs that are having issues with these regulations.
“The interesting thing here is timing and the impact of this because clearly there has been a significant impact on players already.
“From Oxford United’s point of view, we are probably the club who has been impacted most significantly given the transfer embargo that we are under.
“I very much doubt that the plane will be resolved by the [end of] the transfer window.
“But it will be really interesting to see how this evolves over the next couple of months at arbitration.
“If I were Oxford United, I would be strongly communicating with the EFL, essentially saying that these rules should not apply while this claim is ongoing. And what are you going to do about this for us if these rules are considered to be unenforceable?”
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.”
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.
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.
Oxford United have signed Wales international Kai Andrews on loan from Premier League side Coventry City until January.
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Oxford United head coach Aaron Ramsey has insisted that Stanley Mills’ departure for Preston North End was ‘the best decision’.
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