Oxford united FC
Oxford United boss quiet on Blackburn, O’Neill incident
Oxford United reportedly raised concerns over a conflict of interest regarding the Rovers boss who managed four U’s players for Northern Ireland in the recent international break.
Northern Ireland lost 2-0 to Italy in their World Cup play-off semi-final before drawing 1-1 with Wales in a friendly on Tuesday.
The EFL confirmed it had been contacted by more than one club with concerns over the issue, with relegation rivals West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth also having players appear for the Green and White Army.
Ciaron Brown, Jamie Donley, and Brodie Spencer played for Northern Ireland across their two fixtures whilst players who are set to play against Blackburn’s rivals in Hull City’s Paddy McNair, Norwich City’s Ruairi McConville, and Preston North End’s Ali McCann all missed the second game.
With Pompey boss, and former Yellows captain, John Mousinho criticising the situation, Oxford head coach Bloomfield was also questioned.
“I think whenever you have players going away on international duty, you’re hoping that they’re fine and come back in relatively good health. The game on Tuesday was even closer to a good Friday game than it was a usual Saturday.
“As regards to anything else, I’d rather not comment.
“Being a football manager is hard enough and I’ve got a big enough job in my hands here, so I should concentrate on that.”
Bloomfield went on to praise Oxford’s internationals, with Mark Harris appearing for Wales against Bosnia & Herzegovina as the Red Dragons lost their World Cup play-off semi-final on penalties after managing a 1-1 draw in normal time.
Ole Romeny also represented Indonesia against St. Kitts & Nevis and Bulgaria, scoring and assisting twice against the former.
“I felt really disappointed for the boys,” Bloomfield said, sympathising with the five U’s men who missed out on World Cup qualification.
“I thought they all did great. Obviously watching the games and paying a real interest into how they’re getting on and watching with pride if I’m honest.
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“I thought Brodie was brilliant. I thought Brodie was absolutely fantastic.
“To go away and play; I’ve never got the honour of doing that and those boys are getting to go and play for their country and I just think it’s an incredible honour for them and I thought they did brilliantly.
“I felt really disappointed for them, but that’s gone now and now they concentrate on their club football.”
On loan Spurs midfielder Donley scored against Wales for Northern Ireland.
“An international goal for a young player is a brilliant moment for him, so let’s hope he takes that into the game on Friday and forward into the last seven for us.”
The Oxford Mail has suggested one player in every position for Matt Bloomfield’s side to target this summer.
Goalkeeper – academy promotion
Oxford are set when it comes to goalkeepers, with Jamie Cumming, Matt Ingram, and player-coach Simon Eastwood all at the club.
It would make more sense for a goalkeeper to be promoted from the academy, perhaps Under-21 stopper Monty Marriott who recently spent time on loan at Dorchester Town.
Right back – Jordi Osei-Tutu
Osei-Tutu would provide a more attacking alternative on the right of defence.
Recently released by League One play-off winners Bolton Wanderers, the 27-year-old is energetic and pacey and available on a free.
Centre back – Jamie Knight-Lebel
Controversial, maybe, with the defender having spent last season on loan at Swindon Town in League Two, but a move for their Young Player of the Season could be a natural next step for the Bristol City man.
A move to Oxford to learn from experienced heads Michal Helik and Ciaron Brown would be valuable, with the 21-year-old providing youth and quality in depth.
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Left back – Leon McCann
Oxford have already been linked with two Falkirk players in Barney Stewart and Liam Henderson, but look set to miss out on the former.
After a consistently good season for the sixth-placed Bairns, McCann would be a great signing of a player hitting his peak at 26 years old.
Centre midfield – Archie Collins
After turning down a new contract offer from Peterborough United, the 26-year-old is expected to secure a better move after winning the Posh’s Player of the Season award.
Signing Collins would be a statement of intent from the Yellows with the midfielder one of the division’s standouts.
Left wing – Nathan Redmond
Oxford already have names on the left, but some experience may not go amiss.
The 32-year-old spent last season at both Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn Rovers and believes he still has more to give in his career.
Attacking midfield – Conor Chaplin
Linked earlier this week, Chaplin is a free agent having left Premier League club Ipswich Town.
At 29, he is experienced and a proven goal scorer in League One having scored 26 times in 2022/23.
Right wing – Kyreece Lisbie
Lisbie has already held talks with the club and would provide youth, depth and skill on the right wing.
There is competition for his signature, but the Colchester United man seems a no-brainer.
Striker – Jayden Wareham
19 goals for relegated Exeter City is very impressive.
The 23-year-old would be an astute, proven and young addition to the U’s attack.
Leicester City are one of a few clubs already said to be interested.
The U’s are looking to strengthen after their relegation from the Championship last season, with a new striker wanted by supporters after the return of fan favourite Will Lankshear to his parent club Tottenham Hotspur.
Chaplin spent last season on loan at boyhood club Portsmouth as the club survived in the second tier, the 29-year-old scoring twice and managing one assist in 40 appearances.
Meanwhile, his parent club Ipswich secured promotion to the Premier League by finishing second in the league only behind runaway champions Coventry City.
The Englishman was key in the Tractor Boys’ League One promotion-winning season where they finished second, Chaplin scoring 26 goals that year to win the division’s Golden Boot award, joint with Peterborough United’s Jonson Clarke-Harris.
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He was also awarded Ipswich’s Player of the Season award and included in the League One Team of the Season.
Chaplin then struck 13 goals in the Championship as the Suffolk side were promoted again, before suffering relegation from the Premier League the year after.
The attacking midfielder was released by Ipswich last month following their return to the top flight and SportsBoom are reporting that Oxford have ‘expressed an interest’ in signing the free agent.
With experience in the top tiers of English football and proof of goal scoring prowess in League One, Chaplin would be a sensible addition to the U’s ranks.
Tottenham Hotspur want £20 million for 21-year-old Will Lankshear and have turned down multiple bids for him, according to Hayters.
The ex-U’s striker, who was the club’s top scorer last term with 12 goals in all competitions, is highly rated by his parent side who narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League last season finishing two points above the drop zone.
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However, they haven’t ruled out selling him if the right offer comes in with Portuguese side Sporting CP reportedly interested.
In addition Spurs is also considering another loan move for Lankshear to a Championship club, although the London team is looking to fund a summer spending spree that has already seen a £52 million bid for defender Jan Paul Van Hecke accepted by Brighton.
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Lankshear has made three Premier League appearances for Spurs as well as scoring one goal in three Europa League features.
In a breakout season in men’s football, the England youth international became a fan favourite in OX4 for his tenacity and goal scoring success in a struggling Championship team.
The 21-year-old’s attitude off the pitch also endeared the fans to his name, with the player crediting the club as the place where it all began ahead of a hopefully successful career.
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