Oxford United get ready for the season ahead
The 2015/16 season starts to become a reality this week as the fixtures are released and plans start to become finalised for what lies ahead for Oxford United.
On Tuesday morning the Capital One Cup draw is made at 10am and United, winners in 1986, find out which of the seeded teams they will face. Last season Michael Appleton’s side enjoyed further success in a competition they love, beating eventual League One champions Bristol City at Ashton Gate and then pushing Premier League side West Brom all the way to penalties at the Hawthorns.
“Look at the seasons those two sides had,” Michael told Yellow Player. “Bristol City stormed their league and they fielded a really strong side against us in the competition. And at West Brom we had fantastic support and that backing got us back into the game.
“We really should have won it in extra-time if we’re honest. That night was probably one of the highlights of the season. So we'll look forward to that draw being announced.”
The following day the Sky Bet League 2 fixtures are released at 9am. It’s a day that all supporters are waiting for but for Michael the plan for the start of the season couldn’t be simpler:
“Just to get on the board. After playing so well in the first three or four games and not picking up any points last season, then to have three points from seven games or whatever, I think getting that first win gives everyone a boost. The first ten games are crucial so you look at them and start making plans, then you look at the Christmas fixtures and where you want to be by then.”
“If you don’t get off to a good start you can’t afford to have a dip later in the season and I think we paid for that last year. But we finished the season very strongly and there is a different mentality about the squad this time compared to last summer. Whatever the fixture list hands us we will be more than ready by the time we kick off that first game.”
See a full interview with Michael in Yellow Player right now, including who he expects to be contenders in the promotion race.
Fixtures will be released right here at oufc.co.uk on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.