Grant Ferguson wrote the following notes in the programme for the Sky Bet League One game against Portsmouth:
Thanks for coming along tonight as we take on the league leaders, and we extend a very warm welcome to John Mousinho and his team. John made a huge impact on the club during his time at Oxford United and it is no surprise to see him doing well in management. His team have been the best in the league so far and I am sure they will be keen to get a win tonight with teams breathing down their neck in a very tight pack at the top of the table.
We are still in that pack, although Saturday’s defeat at Bristol Rovers saw us slip out of the play-off places for the first time this season. Clearly we were a long way off our best in the first half in that game and it was a similar story in the last home game against Barnsley. Losing two games back-to-back frustrates everyone around the club, mostly the players and coaching staff, but things change in football very quickly, so everyone is focused on a win tonight to remind everyone of what we are capable of.
The team are creating chances and playing well in phases of the game, and I think the consistency we showed earlier in the season will return once things settle after the transfer window closes tomorrow. Sam Long will be available again soon, Will Goodwin will be involved for the first time, Josh Murphy and Billy Bodin are coming back, and we will have Marcus Browne and Kyle Edwards to add to our firepower for the last few weeks of the season.
I am also hoping we have at least one new face to welcome to the squad tonight. If not, then for the home game against Reading on Saturday. Somewhat strangely, there has been very little activity across the market in the past week, but patience remains key at this stage, with many clubs remaining wary of making mid-season decisions and others vying for position in the race to sign what players are available as the deadline approaches. Fortunately, as a result of considered pre-planning, we did good business early in the window with Will signed, Joe Bennett confirmed to at least the end of the season, Jamie Cumming quickly integrated as a proven keeper at this level, and I thought Tyler Burey showed what he has to offer when he came on last Saturday. However, Ed Waldron and the recruitment team continue to work round the clock (literally, on some days!) to add more depth to the squad in key positions as we look forward to the second half of the campaign.
In the meantime, please let’s all get behind the team this week. Portsmouth fans are always loud and proud, and then we have a derby game here against Reading on Saturday. Big crowds, lots of noise, lots of passion. What a great week to get things back on track.
Grant
You can read the full programme online at www.matchdayfix.com/oufc