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 right back has played in some huge matches recently, from big clashes in the Championship relegation battle to a World Cup play-off semi final against Italy with Northern Ireland.
Spencer grabbed his first goal for the club last time out against Portsmouth, scoring the U’s first in a 2-2 draw at Fratton Park.
“I think this has been probably one of the most important moments for me personally in professional football so far,” the Northern Ireland international declared.
“I’ve learnt, I’d say, more in this month than I have in my entire career so far, so it’s been really good to be fair for me. I’ve just been trying to take it all in and really just dial in and stay focused and not let the occasion get ahead of me.”
Oxford have gone from winning three on the bounce to drawing three of their last four games, experiencing highs and disappointing lows.
“It’s about keeping that level head, not getting too high on the highs and too low on the lows,” the 21-year-old continued.
“It’s about keeping level headed and I think we have a lot of experience in the group.
“This sort of helps me and the rest of the younger lads keep that level head. There’s a lot of players in the team who have been in this situation before last season and they were able to fight out of it, so there’s no reason why we can’t go on and do it again.”
The Yellows face Watford this weekend, looking to win after going four without.
The Hornets triumphed 2-1 at Vicarage Road in the reverse fixture, Spencer starting the game under now-departed coach Gary Rowett.
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“[I am] very confident. I think every home game we’re confident, no matter who we play against. I feel like we’re sort of like a different kettle of fish when we play at home.
“The fans get behind us, they make it very loud. You want to do that every game, but I think that at the home game, it’s just about that bit extra special.
“When you’re in our position in the league, it’s the bare minimum: give 100 per cent. No matter how talented you are as a player, I think you can always go out and give 100 per cent and show a bit of fight, which is needed in this league.
“It’s important for us to keep stepping up and showing that fight in each game.”
The Friends of Stratfield Brake campaign group this week initiated the legal challenge through a judicial review at the High Court against Cherwell District Council‘s planning permission for the 16,000-seater stadium.
A spokesman at the U’s said the club is ready to support Cherwell District Council in its defence while the authority said it is “confident” in its decision.
Fans of the Yellows, too, are confident that they can keep the new stadium at The Triangle in Kidlington despite the legal threat.
U’s fan James Valero said: “All the relevant planning procedures in this country have been followed and it’s all been approved by the relevant authorities.
“Just go ahead and get building the stadium that the club and city deserves.”
Fellow fan Robert Ian Green said: “Absolutely we need the new stadium.”
Another supporter Levi Grant added: “This is getting ridiculous. Just get them diggers fired up.”
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Oxford man Paul Harris said: “The clock is ticking now, get it sorted as soon as possible. Luton Town have got ‘spades in the ground’ and started work on the new 20,000 capacity stadium.”
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Meanwhile, Kidlington resident Bill Laver said: “I have no problem with the stadium being built as long as its use does not impact on the local population.
“Originally the plans proposed a bridge to allow supporters to access the stadium from the more than adequate parking facilities but now they want a major road closed on match days because the bridge is not an option.”
And supporter Bridget Elaine Hubbard said: “I don’t really see the issue. The stadium will be on a piece of land sandwiched between two major roads.
“But the plus side is surely that it is accessible from the Oxford Parkway reducing the traffic on the A34 and the ring road to the Kassam.
“There is already a sports ground next to the Stratfield Brake, but this is across the road.”
Liam Walker, Conservative leader and U’s fan, described the legal challenge as “nothing more than a delay tactic” with issues that have been scrutinised for years potentially being “dragged” through court.
Mr Walker added: “The reality is simple. Oxford United needs a new home.
“Without it, the long-term future of the club is at risk along with the jobs, investment and opportunities this once-in-a-generation project will bring to our area.”
Indeed, Oxford United has previously warned about the club’s future being potentially in doubt should the stadium not be built.
Jack Currie and Aidomo Emakhu have both missed the previous two match day squads through injury.
Currie received a kick to the ankle in the 2-0 loss against Southampton which has kept him out of action, whilst Emakhu suffered groin tendinitis as well as illness.
Ruben Roosken and Brodie Spencer have both featured in Currie’s place at left back, with the 24-year-old considered one of the U’s best players this season.
Emakhu also last featured against Saints with a late two-minute cameo having started the game prior at home to Charlton Athletic.
The Yellows are preparing to face Watford on Saturday after two draws in their last couple of Championship fixtures.
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Oxford were held to a 1-1 draw against both Hull City and a 2-2 stalemate against relegation rivals Portsmouth over the Easter weekend.
“We’ve got a couple of the boys still working their way back that have missed a period of time or a small period of time,” Bloomfield confirmed.
“Aidomo and Jack have trained really well, so they’re both getting closer again to being available. I don’t think there’s anything new to report.”
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