Oxford United travel to Crewe on Saturday looking to rekindle their playoff hopes. Karl Robinson’s side have lost their last two fixtures, leaving the U’s six points off the top six.
Ahead of the game, we spoke to Steve Hattton of the Railwaymen Podcast and he has kindly answered some of our questions.
Where do you think you’ll finish this season?
10th.
Who do you think will finish in the top six?
Hull, Peterborough, Sunderland, Portsmouth, Blackpool, Lincoln.
Who do you think will finish in the bottom four?
Wigan, AFC Wimbledon, Northampton, Swindon.
Key player(s) for Crewe?
Omar Beckles has been a colossus since we signed him from Shrewsbury. Yes, he has a mistake in him at times but he has clearly done more things well than he has badly. We haven’t signed a defender as effective as him since Dave Walton and that was back when we were in the Championship.
Tom Lowery is now back in form and he is vital to us getting our passing going. His ability with the ball in tight situations is crucial and although he is only a little fella. He’s also hugely competitive.
Finally, Mikael Mandron has been another excellent signing. His link-up play in our front three is a key part of how we play and his goal return, although not outstanding has arguably been better than his previous track record would have suggested.
Thoughts on David Artell?
He took over a listless club, who were used to and seemed to accept losing and has slowly but surely turned it around. Yes, there have been missteps, but he’s working with one of the smallest budgets in both of the leagues that he has managed in. His desire to win and be better changed that losing ethos and our club feels like a happy place once again after a very negative atmosphere under our previous manager.
Recruitment has been one of his strengths. Again, there have been some players that haven’t worked out but most of the players that he brought in have made a huge impact. Notably, he signed some ‘wise old heads’ who were pivotal in changing that losing attitude. The likes of Nicky Hunt, Paul Green and Eddie Nolan are no longer at the club but everyone recognises that their influence off and on the pitch were vital for us. As previously mentioned the signings of Mandron and Beckles have been so impressive and made such a difference for Crewe this season.
A word on your teams playing style?
Possession based, front-foot style with an ability to break with deadly speed but also a spectacular penchant to shoot ourselves in both feet defensively when we least expect it.
Favourite match this season?
I really enjoyed in 2-0 win over Peterborough and our home game against Sunderland (Except for the last four mins when they somehow scored two 30 yarders to grab a point).
Least favourite match this season?
A 2-0 loss at Peterborough on a pitch that closely resembled a recently ploughed farmer’s field. We didn’t turn up and they didn’t really have to extend themselves at all.
Has playing behind closed doors affected or hindered your team?
Perhaps occasionally at home where the home crowd may sometimes give that ‘final push’ to get us over the line. We have conceded a number of shattering last-minute goals.
Any Oxford players you would like to see in your team?
Matt Taylor is a good player and useful centre forward, Cameron Brannigan has looked a decent player whenever I have seen him.
Thoughts on Oxford?
A season of underperformance? Poor start to the season that saw you lurk near the bottom and then a bit of a resurgence but not enough to propel yourself into the playoff picture. Your side seems to have some very established League One players in it and so probably a really frustrating season and maybe a good one for the fans to miss in person!
Crewe have won the last three meetings. Thoughts on the reverse fixture?
We won fairly easily at your place and were in control throughout without ever having to be anywhere near our best. I’m imagining that it will be a much tighter and more closely fought contest at the weekend.
What do you think the score will be?
2-1 to Crewe.
Random fact about your club?
That we have won the Welsh Cup back to back in 1936 and 1937, despite the geographical issues that this presents!
