Oxford began August with the news that James Henry had penned a new two-year deal. The 33-year-old has been ever-present since his arrival from Bolton in 2017 and is currently the club’s 12th highest goalscorer.
Henry wasn’t the only U’s player to commit his future as youngster Gatlin O’Donkor signed his first professional contract. The 17-year-old, who holds the record as the club’s youngest debutant, made the bench as Oxford lost against Derby on the opening day of this season.
By August 2, the club confirmed that academy manager Dan Harris would leave his role by the end of the month. Harris has held the position for four years.
There was then another departure after Thai midfielder Ben Davis returned home on a season-long loan. The 21-year-old, who managed just one senior appearance for the U’s following his arrival from Fulham last summer, is out of contract in 2023.
Davis’ departure was quickly put behind with the arrival of 19-year-old Lewis Bate, who joined on loan from Leeds. The former Chelsea youth player only moved to Elland Road last summer in a deal reportedly worth around £1.5 million.
Slavi Spasov was the next youngster to commit his future to the club. The 20-year-old, who became the club’s youngest ever scorer at 16, has signed a one-year deal.
Kyle Joseph was the next name to be linked with a move to Oxford. Reports claimed the Swansea City striker was a target for the U’s, along with League One rivals Sheffield Wednesday.
The U’s picked up their first points of the season with a 1-0 win over Cambridge United. Youngster Tyler Goodrham came on late in the game and, on his Football League debut, netted a sensational individual goal to win the match.
Following their win over Cambridge, the U’s then progressed to the second round of the Carabao Cup with a penalty shootout victory over Championship outfit Swansea. Oxford found themselves 2-0 down but two fortunate goals brought the hosts level, who scored all of their spot kicks in the shootout.
Following the win over the Swans, Oxford were drawn against Crystal Palace in the second round. It would be a first competitive meeting between the two sides since 1998, although Cameron Brannagan did score in a pre-season defeat at Selhurst Park two years ago.
Oxford then boosted their attack with the addition of 20-year-old striker Joseph on a season-long loan from Swansea.
However, there would be two departures before the U’s faced Bristol Rovers. First, Jack Stevens joined Port Vale on loan before youngster Will Owens made a temporary switch to Banbury United.
Joseph would make his debut in the next game as a second-half substitute but was unable to contribute as the U’s lost 1-0 at Bristol Rovers. The hosts took the lead just before the break and Oxford were unable to find a way back into the game.
Along with MK Dons, Oxford expressed interest in West Brom right-back, Ethan Ingram. The 19-year-old has only managed one senior appearance for the Baggies but a loan move away from the Hawthorns would suit both parties.
Oxford suffered a third league defeat in four as Lincoln City ran out 2-1 winners at Grenoble Road. The Imps led 2-0 at the break but despite a Brannagan penalty reducing the deficit, Oxford succumbed to another league loss.
Their poor start to the season continued with a 1-1 draw at home to Morecambe. The Shrimps took the lead, meaning the U’s conceded first in a fifth from six games, but Joseph opened his U’s account to earn a point.
Back to the Carabao Cup but the second round was as far as it got this season after Crystal Palace won 2-0 at Grenoble Road. A depleted U’s side held out until the break but the Premier League outfit netted twice late on to reach the third round.
Following their cup exit, the U’s returned to league action and picked up a first away win of the season at Cheltenham. The U’s fell behind but a Brannagan brace sealed a first victory at Whaddon Road since 2005.
Back to transfer news and Oxford were eyeing up a move for Everton youngster, Tom Cannon. The 19-year-old striker has impressed for the Toffees’ U21 side, scoring four goals and adding an assist from three Premier League 2 matches this season.
Despite only arriving in the summer, Jodi Jones looks set to depart the club on loan. The winger has managed just 50 minutes of football following his release from Coventry. The same applies to January signing Oisin Smyth, who has made just one appearance this season.
