Having lost two of their regular back four from last season in Josh Ruffels and Rob Atkinson, Oxford United require a defensive rebuild ahead of the new campaign.
But now that is more so given the fact that U’s boss Karl Robinson doesn’t have a gulf of defensive options in the squad.
After rejecting a new deal, it always looked likely that Ruffels would depart at the end of the season. What is a concern, however, is the lack of a replacement in the squad. Ruffels had been the club’s only natural left-back for some time with cover for that position coming in a makeshift left-sided defender.
Now Ruffels has gone, finding a left-back should be a priority. The U’s have already identified a few options, including Jamie Robson, Joe Tomlinson and Alex Cochrane, although the latter has since joined Hearts on loan. The club needs to act quickly in finding a replacement, as 18-year-old Michael Elechi is the only left-sided full-back in the squad, but he is out of contract.
Now, it is a similar situation in the middle. Rob Atkinson has left, leaving Elliott Moore in search of a third partner in three years. Atkinson may have only played one season at Oxford, but his impressive displays earned him a spot in the League One Team of the Season.
Next season, the U’s can call upon John Mousinho again after he signed a new one year deal, but the 35-year-old won’t be able to play as many games at Atkinson. That leaves January signing Luke McNally as the only other central option.
McNally is in a similar position as Atkinson last summer, with both players untested in the Football League. Of course, Atkinson thrived but that doesn’t mean McNally will slot in effortlessly, and may not be able to make the same sort of impact.
Then there is Moore. The 23-year-old, who many would have expected to depart before Atkinson, will be out of contract in the summer. While he will be a key player once again this season, the U’s can’t afford to lose him on a free in the summer, as has been the case with Curtis Nelson in recent seasons and Ruffels this year.
Like last season, it seems probable that Moore will play in the majority of games, with Mousinho and McNally filling in. But, as is the case with Ruffels, it remains an area of the pitch the U’s need cover. Oxford have been linked with St Johnstone defender Jason Kerr, but Bournemouth have also joined the race to sign the 24-year-old, while Cheltenham Town defender Will Boyle has also been shortlisted.
Sam Long appears the only constant in this current team. The Oxford-born defender will be able to cover on the left and the middle but he has made the right-back spot his own. Moving him isn’t the answer, finding permanent solutions is.
Even with a settled back four last season, the U’s still conceded 56 goals – the highest amount of any team in the top nine. This season, the club need stability and losing two key players has been a disappointment. Although the club have brought three new faces through the door in Marcus McGuane, Ryan Williams and Billy Bodin, they now need to focus on the backline.
