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‘Get me back on the Terrace’ – Q&A With Stanley Ultras

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Oxford United welcome Accrington Stanley on Monday, looking to put their Sunderland disappointment behind them.

The U’s have won the last two meetings against John Coleman’s side but know they’ll be up against a tough opponent.

Ahead of the game, we spoke to the Stanley Ultras and they kindly answered some of our questions.

Match Preview: Oxford vs Stanley

Firstly, tell us a little bit about yourselves and what you do.

Stanley Ultras are the voice of the terrace. We lead chanting and singing, organise all the banners and flags you see at Stanley’s ground. We also pitch in with the Supporters Trust & run away travel. We help with social & community stuff too and have done much fundraising for the club and charities.

When was your group formed?

We formed in 2004.

How many members do you have?

We don’t have formal membership, anyone who stands & gets behind the team is in the Stanley Ultras.

How surprised were you at the start to the season that Stanley made with a 2-0 win over Peterborough?

Very! Thought Posh were nailed on for promotion and with their budget should blow Accy away. But “operation vengeance” certainly inspired the mighty reds. Easy 2-0 win to Stanley in the end!

Oxford won 4-1 against Stanley in the third league game. Thoughts on that game?

Oxford a good passing side but the scoreline flattered you in the end I thought. Two teams evenly matched. Freak goal and never a sending off. We’d have won with 11 men, mark my words!

Where do you think you’ll finish this season?

17th is ours!

Who do you think will finish in the top six?

Hull, Sunderland, Posh, Portsmouth, Charlton, Blackpool.

Who do you think will finish in the bottom four?

Rochdale, Bristol Rovers, Wigan, Northampton.

Key player(s) for Stanley?

This season it is definitely Seamus Conneelly and the flying Dion Charles.

Thoughts on John Coleman?

God.

A word on your teams playing style

Combative, hard-working but with the ability to win games. If we’d have beaten some of the poorer sides though we’d still be up there.

Favourite match this season?

None of them, we’ve been watching on the TV! Get me back on the Terrace.

Least favourite match this season?

Posh hitting us for seven (7-0). Darragh (MacAnthony) gets on my wick so the thought of him sneering.

Has playing behind closed doors affected or hindered your team?

Hindered at home as for our size we pack a punch and always back them. Away from home may have helped. Big stadiums and crowds can really help a side when the crowd are up for it.

Any Oxford players you would like to see in your team?

I’ll be honest, I’m not one for studying or knowing the opposition.

Thoughts on Oxford?

Lovely city, cracking rowing boats, saw Radiohead there in 1995.

What do you think the score will be?

5-0 to the mighty Red Wizards. Charles 3 Bishop 2.

Random fact about your club?

Never played at Wembley.

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