Eastwood on Oxford United coaching want in ‘strange’ season

Eastwood signed a new contract at Oxford in May which would see him help coach the next generation of goalkeepers at the club whilst remaining a first team player.

A month later, the U’s were hit with a transfer embargo and second choice keeper Matt Ingram left the club, throwing the veteran shot-stopper back into an important role as a player.

After Jamie Cumming’s injury earlier in the season, Eastwood was thrown into the action unexpectedly and will now return to the starting XI this weekend for an FA Cup clash against Stevenage with Cumming suspended.

The 37-year-old opened up on his fortunes this season, saying: “I’ve not coached.

Simon Eastwood (Image: Darrell Fisher)

“I think in the last interview I did in here, I said I’d be doing a lot more coaching and stuff.

“But absolutely no coaching has been going on, to be honest.

“It’s more making sure I’m ready to play when needed.

“And don’t get me wrong, I always can help the younger lads to coach them within a session, but Lewis Price has been doing every single bit of that.”

Before the international break, Oxford face Stevenage before a Jersey Mike’s Trophy clash at home to Cheltenham Town.

“I think Jamie is going to play in that one because he’s not suspended for that.

“But football is a funny old game.

“I thought I’d be playing in that one at the start of the season. You’re kind of a number two and you go into the season as a number two.

READ MORE: Oxford United boss lifts lid on Cumming suspension and Helik injury

READ MORE: Aaron Ramsey gives Oxford injury update on Jin-woo, Roosken

“You play in those games and you kind of get your minutes in.

 “I think for Jamie and even for myself, it’s been a very strange start to the football season.

“Nothing that we’ve probably both had before.

“It’s been very unfortunate for him to get the injury when he did.

“And then he came back in and really started to pick up some form and really playing well with Jamie.

“Then to get his red card when he did, it was unfortunate for him.

Oxford United goalkeeper Jamie Cumming signals to the referee (Image: Gary Oakley/PA Wire)

“But when I step in, I just try to do a job and support him.”

With eyes turned to the FA Cup, the former Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth man hinted at how seriously the club would be taking the famous competition.

Eastwood continued: “Everybody knows that our main objective is trying to get out of the league.

“So, that’s obviously what we’re putting first.

“I think this season, to be honest, the FA Cup and the other trophies are just going to be a bonus.”