Three games, three competitions for the U's, starting at Spotland
Oxford United head for Rochdale on Saturday looking to start a key week with a win. The U’s play at Spotland then come home to face Bradford on Tuesday in the Checkatrade Trophy and then Newcastle United in the FA Cup next Saturday.
“It is a big week for us” Michael Appleton told Yellow Player HD this morning. We have to switch our attention to three different competitions in seven days so the players are going to have to be resolute and stay together.
“There will be changes in those games, no doubt about it, but it’s a week that we hope can be big news for the football club.”
Appleton was boosted by the return of Christian Ribeiro and Sam Long to training this week, although the pair will not travel with the squad to face an experienced Rochdale side who Michael admires:
“They have been competing at this level for a number of years and in Hilly have a Manager who knows what it takes to compete at the top end at this level.
“He has an idea and a philosophy on the type of squad he needs to put together. He has managed at this level for much longer than I have and there are loads of things I can pick up from him, and from other managers, to try and improve us. Not just about getting in good young players to develop but also tried and tested players who get the job done for you.
“It will be a good test.”
See the full interview in Yellow Player HD including Michael’s thoughts on the Transfer Window so far plus a friendly game against Vancouver Whitecaps…