Oxford united FC
Oxford United stars told to ‘show up’ as transfer saga continues
Well, where to start?
Other than an electric start, a five minute collapse, a last gasp equaliser and players texting the manager to tell him they won’t be playing, it was a quiet start to life back in League One for Oxford United.
Aaron Ramsey was asked for a reason behind the absences of both Stanley Mills and Brian De Keersmaecker following Oxford’s 2-2 draw with MK Dons, and his responses were a stark contrast to what we’ve heard from him regarding their situation throughout pre-season.
On Mills first. It was only in his pre-match press conference the day before that he confirmed a deal had been agreed with Preston, with the move set to be formalised in January.
Of course, a disappointment but not a surprise.
Aaron Ramsey tells us Stan Mills messaged him this morning to say he was not ready to play today
Mills trained this week and would’ve been included in the squad #oufc
— malachi (@MalachiObrey) August 15, 2026
So when there was no sign of Mills in the squad, despite Ramsey confirming he had trained in the build-up, a sense of confusion dominated pre-match conversations. For weeks, it felt as if Ramsey had been protecting Mills from the speculation surrounding his future… until full-time, when the bass laid it out for us all to hear.
As fans were deciding which kit they would wear to our season curtain-raiser, Ramsey told Nathan Cooper he had received a text from Mills on Saturday morning stating that “he didn’t feel he was ready to participate in the game”.
Stan Mills is set for a move to Preston in January (Image: Jason Dawson)
The only word that comes to mind: insulting.
It’s important to add that the vast majority of Oxford supporters are not naïve enough to think our most talented footballers don’t want to progress.
First post-match thoughts of the season as Oxford United draw with MK Dons on the opening day
The Mills situation Excitement about Missanga Taking the point into a tough run What did you make of the game? #oufc
pic.twitter.com/etQhM4LWwP — malachi (@MalachiObrey) August 16, 2026
Of course, our current off the field circumstances have thrown a rather large spanner in the works, and modern football’s ‘player power’ is only becoming more common. But waiting until just hours before kick-off to text your manager and tell him you won’t be participating is an insult – not just to the manager who has never hesitated in praising your professionalism until now , but also to the fans, and your teammates.
READ MORE: Aaron Ramsey’s praises Oxford United ‘reward’ in MK Dons draw
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As for De Keersmaecker, he shouldn’t be given a free pass.
In some ways the ‘Mills saga’ has led to people forgetting that our reported club-record signing has not worn an Oxford shirt since a substitute appearance against Leicester last season.
Aaron Ramsey on Brian De Keersmaecker’s situation at Oxford United:
“Brian’s in a slightly different situation where he has played zero minutes this pre-season. “He’s way behind physically. It’s going to have to be a lot of work and trying to build his minutes up somehow…
— malachi (@MalachiObrey) August 15, 2026
Following his return from an injury that meant he missed a large portion of last season, De Keersmaecker didn’t play a minute of pre-season and is also now having his ‘commitment’ to Oxford questioned by his own manager.
Not a good look.
Brian De Keersmaecker has not played for Oxford United yet this season (Image: Jason Dawson)
As Ramsay phrased it himself, “the ball is now in their court”.
The door isn’t shut. I think we can all agree that both individuals would significantly improve our chances of winning football matches. Their talent is undisputed.
But with senior players rolling up their sleeves, and academy prospects shining in what is currently a rather dim room at Oxford United, whilst you’re contracted here, can we at least expect you to meet the bare minimum that this football club and its supporters deserve?
Show up.