Current team gets set to welcome back the Class of 86
Skipper Jake Wright is hoping that the Class of 86 will be impressed by the current side as the two eras meet on Saturday.Oxford United’s Wembley heroes of 1986 return for the 30th anniversary ahead of the game against Hartlepool at the Kassam Stadium this weekend. Current captain Wright will meet 86 skipper Malcolm Shotton and his team before kick-off and is hoping that the reunion can inspire the U’s to a big win.
“They are legends at the club and it’s really good to see them come back” Jake told Yellow Player HD earlier today. “I think it will lift us because they have shown us what you can do here, and we certainly want to show them what the current team is capable of as well.”
Wright, back in the side at Newport on Tuesday, told Yellow Player HD that with four teams seemingly chasing two automatic promotion places it is all about which team controls the nerves and uses them in the most positive way.
“I think there are going to be nerves up and down the country” he said. “That will be the same for every team that has something to play for, whether it’s at the top or the bottom of the league. They will be a little bit more nervous than normal, but that’s when you have to control those nerves and turn them into a positive. We are in a good place right now and it’s in our hands, and everyone is buzzing and wants to be playing.
“The pressure is when you’re down the other end of the table. I think as a squad and as individuals we are thriving on this opportunity. Three games left and we are in with a great chance of promotion. That’s where we wanted to be at the start of the season and we are looking to finish it off with three more wins.”
United welcomed Callum O’Dowda and Alex MacDonald back into training today after tonsillitis.
“They have been missed around the place, not just on the pitch” Jake admitted. “They are great characters and it is good to have them back in today. Everyone is smiling and buzzing and we can’t wait for the weekend now.”
Opponents Hartlepool will come to Oxford looking to cause an upset, and Jake is well aware that they pose a serious threat to the U’s.
“They have done really well since the new manager came in. He said when he came in that he wanted as many points as possible so they will come here with nothing to lose and ready to give it a right go. It should be a really good game to watch but we know it’s also a game we need to win.”
See the whole interview plus the thoughts of Michael Appleton, Alex MacDonald and a full Preview Show, all in Yellow Player HD.
Get behind the U’s this Saturday. Visit www.oufctickets.co.uk or call 01865 337533 to book your place.
And remember, this Saturday sees a superb limited edition commemorative match programme with a full DVD of the 1986 Milk Cup Final. Make sure you pick up a copy, priced £5, as Oxford United take on Hartlepool United.