"League remains the priority" says U's' Head Coach
After wins in the FA Cup and Checkatrade Trophy, Oxford United go back into League 1 action on Saturday when they travel to AFC Wimbledon. There is no doubting where Michael Appleton’s priorities lie:
“The league, absolutely.” United’s Head Coach told Yellow Player HD. ”The points are the priority and taking all three on Saturday is the aim. But in saying that we still have an interest in the other two competitions and that is certainly helping in terms of belief and keeping the feel-good factor around the club.
“That includes the fans as well. There weren’t that many there on Tuesday but they missed a very good performance and they will be there in numbers on Saturday I’m sure. The away fans are right on top of you at Wimbledon which is a bonus. Usually it’s the opposition fans giving me stick when a decision goes against them! I don’t mind a bit of banter though, provided it doesn’t get too personal.”
United have been in mean mood at the back in recent games and Michael knows that his centre back partnership of Chey Dunkley and Curtis Nelson face another tough test against Wimbledon on Saturday:
“We switched Chey from the left and Curtis has gone in there and done well. As a pair they are going to have to be strong and aggressive on Saturday or we are in for a tough afternoon. But it was good to have Joe Skarz back on Tuesday too and he has done well in there in the past as well.”
Skarz, Joe Rothwell and Josh Ruffels all did well in Tuesday’s 4-1 win over Scunthorpe and competition for places is particularly fierce for the U’s as they look to continue a run that has seen them lose just once since November.
“It’s good” Michael said. “With the window shutting on 31st you have to use what you have got and have everyone pushing for places. If we can bring in a couple of extra bodies to further strengthen it then I think we are in for an exciting end to the season.”
See the full interview including Michael thoughts on Rob Hall’s first 90 minutes since his return, only in Yellow Player HD