Oxford united FC
Oxford United’s concerns backed by Portsmouth boss
The Pompey boss, and former U’s captain, believes that Championship rivals, including Oxford United, could ‘call foul’ this weekend following selection choices by O’Neill for Northern Ireland including players for relegation competing sides.
The BBC reported that concerns were raised by the U’s over a potential conflict of interest as four Oxford players went away with Northern Ireland, with three involved over the two international fixtures.
Jamie Donley started both games, scoring in the second against Yellows teammate Mark Harris’ Wales, with Ciaron Brown and Brodie Spencer both also making appearances. Jamie McDonnell did not feature.
Concerns also sprouted when Norwich’s Ruairi McConville, Preston’s Ali McCann and Hull’s Paddy McNair all missed their country’s clash with Wales ahead of games against Blackburn’s relegation competitors.
O’Neill then opted to play West Bromwich Albion’s Isaac Price and Pompey’s Terry Devlin at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Blackburn’s only Northern Irishman, Tom Atcheson, played just the final ten minutes.
Speaking to the Portsmouth News, Pompey boss Mousinho said: “The fact that we’re talking about it and the fact the question’s been asked means it’s a potential conflict of interest.
“It’s blatantly obvious to me, it’s a question which should never be asked of another head coach.
“‘I don’t think the media or I should be put in that situation, I don’t think O’Neill should be put in a situation where his integrity is questioned.
“I know Michael well and he will make decisions for the best for Northern Ireland and Blackburn, but the fact the question’s asked suggests to me there’s a problem.
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“It’s not even the fact that the players have been sent home, it’s the fact that it’s been allowed. Somebody has been put in that position where they are allowed to make those decisions. That’s the fundamental issue.
“I feel for Michael more than anyone, because it’s through no fault of his own.
“He was allowed to take the job and he’s not going to do any different, but maybe nobody scrutinised it enough at the time.
“There’s probably going to be a few people calling foul this weekend over potential selection decisions made.
“I think Michael is a man of great integrity, but no one knows and no one will know.
“The fact it has a knock-on effect and the fact it has a consequence means that question should never be there.
“So it’s a question for the league. For clarity, I’m not questioning Michael’s integrity – he’s an excellent manager and great person – but the league have a lot to answer for on this one.”
Oxford face Pompey on Easter Monday in a huge clash in the race for survival.
The U’s return to the third tier after a two-year stay in the Championship, suffering relegation last term with a 22nd-placed finish under Matt Bloomfield.
The club revealed their new home strip last month and have worn it twice during pre-season when they beat Crawley Town 3-1 and Ipswich Town 2-0 at the Kassam Stadium.
Oxford’s away kit was released with a video on social media titled ‘Performance Inspires’, the shirt being inspired by Oxford’s performing arts, with a ballet performance filmed at Oxford New Theatre.
The video is soundtracked by a reimagined take on Oxford band Foals’ song ‘What Went Down’.
The shirt is available to buy online and in-store.
The 32-year-old midfielder joined United in 2024 and played 88 games for the club, scoring two goals.
His last goal for the club came in the final home game of last season, a 4-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday.
On 14 January 2025, he scored his first goal for the club in a 1–1 league draw away against Plymouth Argyle.
He will now join Tranmere who are in League Two.
The Wales international did not make any senior appearances for Tranmere in his first spell but has signed a two-year deal with the club.
The U’s are in the midst of a temporary transfer embargo and will not currently be able to replace the midfielder.
As well as his contributions on the pitch, Vaulks was also a pioneer in the Oxfordshire community, using his personal story to establish the award-winning Can We Talk? suicide prevention campaign.
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He introduced a suicide prevention check-in app for staff, delivered training to employees and supporters, and led workshops across the county, including at RAF Brize Norton.
He was nationally and internationally recognised for his campaigning, winning awards including the FIFPRO Player Voice and was recently named PFA Community Player of the Year.
Vaulks made seven appearances for Wales, his most recent coming in a 1-1 draw with Czechia in 2022.
Oxford United begin their League One campaign next week with a home clash against MK Dons after suffering relegation from the second tier last season.
The U’s defeated Ipswich Town in their final pre-season friendly on Saturday to secure four wins from their four friendly fixtures.
Currie scored the opener, converting Tyler Goodrham’s ball across before Stan Mills dispossessed David Button in goal and swept the ball into an open net to double the score.
Oxford look ahead to their first competitive fixture this coming Saturday, a Carabao Cup clash with third-tier rivals Leyton Orient before the new League One season commences a week later.
Ipswich were the first team above United in the English football pyramid that Ramsey’s men played, beating lower-league opponents Aldershot Town of the National League as well as League Two clubs Barnet and Crawley Town in the three games prior.
“We’ve had games this pre-season that have challenged us in multiple ways, with the physicality of Barnet and then the technical quality of Ipswich,” Currie observed after the victory over the Tractor Boys.
“I think what’s really important for us is that we’re versatile, like we have been, and we can change things up when we need to, and we’ll be enjoying football.
“I think the bottom line of it is they’re a Prem team, so whoever they put out are Prem quality players, and that just shows the quality we do have with everyone.
“I’m just very glad we can put what we want into the game, and we can give the fans something to be excited for.
“We all knew exactly how we wanted to set up and we were excited. Everyone really enjoyed the way we were playing.
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“We got set up nicely by the gaffer and the staff. I think the main thing was that we implemented it. We weren’t nervous in the ball or anything.”
New head coach Ramsey has seemed to have had an inspiring influence on the U’s squad, bringing in top-level experience after a stellar playing career with giants like Arsenal and Juventus.
Former Cardiff City, Reading and Wales full back Chris Gunter followed Ramsey to OX4 as his assistant.
“He’s come in with fresh ideas, fresh ways of playing that I think suit the boys a little bit better, so it’s important that we do put them on the pitch and keep enjoying our football like we did today.
“Even [assistant head coach] Chris Gunter as a full back myself. You look at these players and you think that’s the career you want to have.
“They’ve both had unbelievable careers.
“They’ve got an incredible buy-in from everyone around the club. And it’s a really nice buzz, especially with the wins in pre-season.”
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