U's get set for first League game
Head Coach Michael Appleton believes his side are ready for the big kick-off as they build up to Saturday’s season opener against Crawley at the Kassam Stadium.
“I think we’re ready,” he said after Saturday’s draw with Coventry City. “In possession, out of possession, I thought there was an intensity and purpose about them and I think we look ready for the season now.”
The U’s had the better of a 0-0 draw with the Sky Blues at Nuneaton in their final warm-up game, 90 minutes that contained plenty of positive signs for the season ahead.
“We did well against a team from a higher division who have aspirations to do well this season and I thought the credit goes to our players for the way they went about their business,” Michael said. “We hit the woodwork four times and created numerous chances. I’m not too worried about missing the chances today, next week will be a lot more important to us but the way we went about things today was really pleasing for me.”
The only worry came when Liam Sercombe and Ryan Taylor both went off during Saturday’s game, but the signs are promising that United will have a full squad to choose from against Crawley.
“With Sercs it was more of a precaution with a tight groin,” Michael explained. “He wanted to carry on because he said he felt OK but we didn’t want to take any chances at this stage. Ryan Taylor rolled his ankle and we will assess that but he said it didn’t feel too bad. We got him off as quick as we could and hopefully he will be available for next week but as you could see on Saturday, Patrick Hoban came on and I thought he did excellently as well, so we have plenty of players pushing to start.”
See the full interview plus an excellent chat with keeper Sam Slocombe in Yellow Player now.
Make sure you are here to support the U’s on Saturday. Book your place for Oxford United v Crawley Town at www.oufctickets.co.uk or by calling 01865 337533.