Oxford United captain reveals ‘close conversations’ with teammates

Oxford begin the new campaign with a trip to Leyton Orient in the Carabao Cup on Saturday afternoon, marking the start of a new era under the leadership of former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

The U’s have had a summer of mixed fortunes, winning all four of their pre-season fixtures after being hit with a temporary transfer embargo for failing to comply with the EFL’s Squad Cost Management Protocol (SCMP) regulations.

With the Yellows unable to bring in new faces or replace departing names, young players and those formerly on the fringes of the squad have been given a huge opportunity to secure a first-team place.

As one of the senior figures at the club, Brannagan has opened up on his influence on those players.

“I’ve had close conversations with them because it’s a great opportunity for the younger ones to come through,” the 30-year-old declared.

Oxford United captain Cameron Brannagan (Image: Jason Dawson)

“The stage is theirs, to be honest. I’m sure that Gaff has come in and had conversations with them and said that there will be opportunity for you.

“If it was me as a young kid now, I’d be looking at that going, this is my chance.

“They’re all great kids; they work very hard and they do deserve the opportunity.

“I wish them all the best and hopefully they will grab that opportunity by the scruff of the neck and do really well.”

One of those young players is fellow midfielder Harrison Bradney, a youngster who has progressed through the club’s academy since joining at the age of seven and impressed in his performances in pre-season.

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Cameron Brannagan celebrates scoring penalty for Oxford United (Image: ©Jason Dawson)

“I try to help them all, to be honest, in their own ways,” Brannagan continued.

“It’s never easy as a young kid, especially stepping into the first-team environment but, yeah, Bradley is great.

“I see it in training; he’s got great quality and he’s got potential to hopefully have a great career.

“Bradney knows if he obviously ever needs anything, we’re always here to help him.

“I think he’s been great pre-season and trained really well; [it is a] massive season for him.”

Three players have left the club – Ole Romeny, Nik Prelec and Will Vaulks – since the embargo hit but the U’s players have had to remain focused on the season ahead amidst the off-field drama.

Oxford United’s Cameron Brannagan shoots from range (Image: Mike Allen)

“There’s always conversation in the dressing room, but obviously that’s for the dressing room.

“Everybody here is focused to play for Oxford United and that’s the main focus. Our main focus is tomorrow.

“I know it’s a cup game, but we want to go there and hopefully get the result.

“It’s an important game and we want to get through to the next round.”