Oxford Enjoy Best Start in Eighteen Years

So far, so good for Oxford United. After a comprehensive victory away at Bristol Rovers to open their league campaign, the U’s have since recorded back-to-back home wins. It is Oxford’s best start to a season in eighteen years and Chris Wilder’s side currently sit at the top of League 2. With two glamorous cup ties in the shape of Leeds United, in the Capital One Cup, and fierce rivals, Swindon Town, in the unnecessary Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, a sense of optimism and excitement is already palpable round the Kassam Stadium.

Oxford’s early success can be put down to Wilder’s decision to retain the core of his team, as well as the six-figure investment into strength and conditioning introduced in the Summer, which was modelled on the approach of Rugby League outfit, Wigan Warriors (also owned by Oxford chairman, Ian Lenagan).

United’s downfall last season was largely the result of crucial players suffering injuries at the latter stages of the season. With a thin squad to choose from, Wilder panicked and brought in a string of hapless loanees who had, unsurprisingly, been made surplus to requirements at their parent clubs. With a greater onus on strength and conditioning, Oxford seem intent on preventing such a scenario from recurring. Moreover, the new approach is already paying dividends as Oxford recovered from a penalty shoot-out victory (that lasted 120 minutes) against League One Bournemouth to convincingly defeat Bristol Rovers four days later. Indeed, a bullish Oxford have only conceded one goal thus far, and that from a direct free kick.

Furthermore, as teams such as Bristol Rovers, with their radically revamped squads take time to bed together, Oxford already have the spine of the team and a strong spirit in place. Wilder elected to retain faith in a squad that has the potential to achieve promotion, while adding only a handful of players with proven quality. With the likes of Tom Craddock and Alfie Potter rejuvenated after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, there is no reason why Oxford cannot build on their bright start.

A giant killing over Neil Warnock’s Leeds United tonight will increase the optimistic fervour at the Kassam to new heights. Bring it on.