Oxford United boss’ rally cry ahead of Ipswich Town clash

The U’s are looking to end their summer pre-season campaign on a high after maintaining a 100 per cent record so far with three wins from three.

Ramsey’s men have beaten Aldershot Town and Crawley Town both 3-1, either side of a 2-1 victory over Barnet.

The successful three matches have brought a newfound positivity and excitement to the United supporters following the temporary transfer embargo which hit in early July.

After taking over from Matt Bloomfield, who was sacked almost two months after failing to keep Oxford in the Championship, Ramsey has been implementing a new style of play and has largely seen positive signs against lower-league opposition.

“The squad is in a good place at the moment,” the U’s boss said after the win over Crawley at the Kassam Stadium.

“Looking forward now to playing Ipswich in the last game, which will be another test for us, Premier League opposition.

“I think it’s a great one for us to finish on to go into the season.

Oxford United head coach Aaron Ramsey hugs fellow countryman Mark Harris (right) (Image: Oxford United)

“Hopefully, our fans can come here and really get behind this team and give us that extra bit that we need as well and make it realistic to go into the season next week.

“Hopefully, they turn out in their numbers and can really get behind this team because we’re going to need them this season.”

Ramsey experienced his first taste of a home crowd on Tuesday against League Two side Crawley.

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Competitive action finally restarts on August 8 in the Carabao Cup with United travelling to take on League One rivals Leyton Orient.

With Ipswich next on the agenda, the U’s are facing a team two leagues ahead of them, but one that they played twice only last season in the Championship.

United were victorious in the home clash against the Tractor Boys last November, a 77th-minute Przemyslaw Placheta goal sealing a 2-1 win.

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(Image: Newsquest)

The Suffolk side got their revenge on New Year’s Day, Kieran McKenna’s side reversing the score line to win 2-1.

Ipswich are a new-look team now after achieving promotion, with McKenna having left the club and being replaced by former Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O’Neil.

Peter Kioso on the ball for Oxford United (Image: Oxford United)

Oxford right back Peter Kioso has played up their previous opponents.

“I know we’ve played against League Two teams, but it’s not like we’ve played against rubbish teams.

“At the end of the day, it’s down to us to go and make sure we give 100 per cent once we cross that line.

“There’s definitely things that we could work on, which we will keep working on. But going into Saturday, [it] will be a good test again for us to implement what the gaffer’s been teaching us in training.”