Oxford currently lie 10th in the third tier in the midst of the first international break of the season, with two games in hand on a chunk of their competitors.

The U’s saw the incoming of former Arsenal and Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey as head coach in June before being hit with a temporary transfer embargo and losing highly-rated players Stanley Mills and Brian De Keersmaecker late in the window.

After winning three and drawing two of their first six League One games following Championship relegation last season, the Yellows are in a strong position early in the campaign.

Former EFL journeyman and current Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has backed Ramsey’s men despite citing ‘massive losses’ within the playing squad.

“I will always look at teams that get relegated from the Championship and think that the reality is that they should be pushing at the top end one way or another,” the former Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion striker disclosed.

Oxford United celebrate their second goal against Burton Albion (Image: Darrell Fisher)

“But then I had a look at who they’ve lost and it’s several key players.

“I didn’t realise they’d lost Brian De Keersmaecker, Przemyslaw Placheta, Stanley Mills, and Myles Peart-Harris.

“That is four massive key players who, if they were still at the club, you’d almost go definitely a top six team that without hesitation.

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“But there’s lots of factors that you’ve got to consider, and that’s just one of them.

“Then you’ve got Aaron Ramsey, who’s a new manager with very little past experience, only a few games in caretaker charge of Cardiff City.

“You’ve also got him implementing a completely different style to the one that they had last year in the Championship, where they had the lowest average possession in the whole of the Championship, whereas Aaron wants them to be a dominant possession-based team.

“They’re now the third highest average possession in League One.

“Only Leicester City and Stockport County have more of the ball.

Oxford United head coach Aaron Ramsey (Image: Darrell Fisher)

“And the other factor is they’ve played at least one game less than most of the league, and in some cases, I think there’s seven or eight teams that have played two more games.

“So, when you put it all together, they’ve lost one game all season away at Huddersfield Town, who are a decent team.

“They’re currently 10th, and if they win the game in hand, they shoot all the way up to third.

“I think you’ve got to have them down as a good team for the level, with good players and definitely in with a shout of getting straight back up.”

The U’s return to action on Tuesday, October 6, facing Exeter City away in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy.

The Green and White Army drew 0-0 with Hungary in their second Group B2 fixture of the Nations League on Monday night, impressing against higher-ranked opposition.

Midfielder Patrick Kelly had two chances in the first half before West Bromwich Albion’s Isaac Price was denied late in the game.

Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai was the talk of the game but offered little for his nation during the 90 minutes.

Northern Ireland beat Georgia 1-0 in their first Nations League game last Friday with Fulham midfielder Shea Charles bagging a 99th-minute winner.

Oxford defender Brown was a standout for Michael O’Neill’s side at Windsor Park against Hungary and drew high praise from fans after the stalemate with a second clean sheet in two games.

Steven Beacom, chief sports writer at the Belfast Telegraph, hailed the team’s back three trio of Ruairi McConville, Tom Atcheson and Brown were ‘excellent’ in an X post.

Oxford United centre back Ciaron Brown (Image: Jason Dawson)

One X user named Brown as Northern Ireland’s best player, saying: “Draw the right result. Thought we looked pretty solid but just no real cutting edge.

“Ethan Galbraith excellent (especially playing for so long on a yellow) but Ciaron Brown my MOTM, didn’t put a foot wrong.”

Chris Holt, sports editor at The Star, added: “Another good performance from NI.

“Understandably tired towards the end so it was a case of making sure they got something from it.

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“Defence superb. Ciaron Brown becoming a bit of an unsung hero lately; Atcheson and McConville excellent beside him.”

Another X user heaped praise on the U’s centre back, saying: “Ciaron Brown had a really solid game again here.

“He was commanding, dominating in the air. Two clean-sheets in a row and he’s been a crucial part of that.

“A sloppy game but 8 clean-sheets in 10 at Windsor Park a very solid base of that team but quick back to back games an issue.”

A further X user continued: “Brilliant. He hardly put a foot wrong.

Oxford United centre back Ciaron Brown (Image: Oxford United)

“The big guy never lets us down. Heart like a lion.”

Brown has started both of his nation’s games this international break, with club teammate Brodie Spencer coming off the bench to feature in the duo of matches so far.

The Yellows central defender was a surprise inclusion in the starting XI in the first couple of games but has justified his selection.

The 28-year-old has played every minute of Oxford’s first six League One games of the season, contributing to two clean sheets and three wins as Aaron Ramsey’s side sit 10th in the table.

Alexander leaves Bradford after guiding the Bantams to promotion to League One in 2024-25 and the top of this season’s table.

The 54-year-old is returning to Preston, 14 years after retiring as a player. He made 372 appearances over two spells and replaces sacked manager Paul Heckingbottom.

Heckingbottom was removed after Preston lost six of their first seven Championship games.

Bradford gave Alexander permission to speak to Preston on Thursday, despite his side’s position.

Meanwhile, Oxford United are 10th during the international break, with two games in hand on some teams which have continued playing.

Bradford City manager Graham Alexander has joined Preston North End (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)

The U’s are due to host currently managerless Bradford on October 24.

The new Preston manager Alexander said: “It’s a special feeling to be named manager of this football club. I had an amazing time here as a player and it’s great to be back.

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“At previous clubs, we’ve always improved league positions and created a team that people can appreciate and attach themselves to. I want to win, I want to be successful, and a big part of that is having ambitions.”

Former Preston defender Chris Lucketti has joined Alexander as his assistant.

The pair have previously worked together at Fleetwood, Scunthorpe, Salford, Motherwell, MK Dons and Bradford.

Alexander takes charge of Preston of whom former Oxford winger Stanley Mills joined late in the summer transfer window.