Oxford United have several players out of contract in the summer. Given the positive start that the U’s have made to the season, the club may decide to wait until they know which league they are in before tying certain players down to new deals. Whatever the strategy, here are six players that we believe should be awarded a new contract.
James Henry
Nicknamed ‘The Goat’, James Henry is having yet another incredible season. Now into his fifth year with the club, the 32-year-old has remained a key player.
This season, Henry provided seven goals and three assists from 22 appearances before picking up a calf injury ahead of the U’s defeat to Wigan. In 207 Oxford appearances, the midfielder has scored an impressive 54 goals and laid on 40 assists.
This record alone should be enough of a reason for the club to extend his stay. Last season, he triggered a one-year extension but now that he enters his later years, he has a real opportunity to remain at the club until he hangs up his boots.
While younger players have come in and performed well, the experience and qualities that Henry still possesses could be vitally important, regardless of what league Oxford find themselves in next season.
Mark Sykes
One of those younger players that has come in and occasionally replaced Henry is Mark Sykes. The Northern Irishman is having his best season to date since arriving at the club in January 2019.
This season, the 24-year-old has scored seven times from just 20 outings. From his previous 112, the midfielder netted three.
He is a man transformed this season and his versatility on the pitch is another crucial factor. Not only can he cover in a variety of positions in midfield but he has learnt the game quicker this season, timing his runs and his ability to pick a pass has also massively improved.
Alex Rodriguez Gorrin
Despite currently sitting out with an ACL injury, Spaniard Alex Rodriguez Gorrin is pivotal to the way that Oxford play and U’s boss Karl Robinson has already said he wants to reward him with a new deal.
The 28-year-old has been ever-present since his arrival in 2019 and has quickly racked up 100 appearances for the club.
His presence in front of the back four had been missed in his absence, although Herbie Kane has provided significant cover in recent weeks. Despite that, he is still a pivotal part of the way that Oxford play.
Elliott Moore
The captain; Elliott Moore has had to be patient during his time at Oxford but has been a constant in the team. The 24-year-old arrived as part of the clubs’ conveyor belt of talented defenders but has seen Rob Dickie and Rob Atkinson depart while he stayed with the club.
That may not be a bad thing. With the emergence of Luke McNally meaning that he will probably become the next one that Oxford flog, Moore could establish himself as the main man and help the future younger players develop. It is a part of the cog that has been missing in recent seasons with the majority of central defenders not staying for long.
And it’s not like he can’t play, either. Maybe he isn’t as ‘showboaty’ as the previous two departures but he has matured when in possession with the ball and is able to pick a pass.
Like Gorrin, Moore has been with the club since the summer of 2019 and has played over 100 matches in yellow and blue.
Anthony Forde
Similarly to Gorrin and Moore, Anthony Forde has been at the club since the summer of 2019. The midfielder has made 89 appearances for Oxford but has often been deployed as a utility player.
Signed as a right midfielder, Forde has also spent time on the left and the middle but has more recently been used as cover for right-back. That said, this versatility could again be useful in terms of squad depth, although he may be looking for more game time elsewhere.
Billy Bodin
It is the same story for summer signing, Billy Bodin. The 30-year-old only penned a one-year deal with the club but has only featured 11 times in all competitions.
In the league, he has started just three times and been substituted on four times, along with being an unused substitute on 12 occasions.
Like Forde, he may be looking to secure something more permanent but he has been unlucky with injury and competition for places. We have seen glimpses of what he is capable of and a strong second half of the season could be a decisive factor in awarding him with a new deal.
