• Wed. Feb 19th, 2025

Boss expects to see exits for United fringe players

Byoxfordnewspaper

Jan 20, 2025

GARY Rowett expects to see a couple of exits from Oxford United in the remainder of the January transfer window.

As was the case following the closing of the summer window, all Football League clubs must name a 25-man squad once the January market draws to a conclusion.

The U’s have cut three players from their original squad, in the form of Malcolm Ebiowei, Kyle Edwards and Will Goodwin, although the signings of Tom Bradshaw, Michal Helik, Alex Matos and Ole Romeny, plus the loan recall of Stephan Negru, have since inflated the squad size.

READ ALSO: Gary Rowett gives promising update on injured Ben Nelson

Joe Bennett and Simon Eastwood were omitted from the previous squad, but Bennett is now back in training following a long-term ankle injury and will surely be included in the squad this time.

It means United have seen their squad grow by three this month, therefore loan or permanent exits for fringe players are a necessity between now and the end of the window.

U’s head coach Rowett said: “I think we’re probably a little bit too heavy in numbers, and maybe we’ll need to let one or two out to go and play regular football, but it’s a tight group in there.

“I think sometimes when it’s a really nice group and a really good club, sometimes players don’t want to go.

“I think they want to stay and fight for their place, which is absolutely fantastic, but of course we don’t want to work with a squad of 26 or 27 players because it’s hard to retain that happiness.

“We’ve got some really good lads who I think will get opportunities to go and play some football, and that’s going to be down to them. We’re certainly a little bit heavy on numbers.”

Rowett is though still keen on strengthening in the market, with the possibility of one incoming prior to Tuesday night’s home game against Luton Town.

He said: “It’s like anything, we’ll probably try and add one more if we can. Of course we’ve got to remember we’ve got Tyler [Goodrham] coming back in as well, so it’ll be nice to have him back and available after the Luton game.

“I certainly felt like missing him for three games would be a huge blow for us, but actually taking four points from the two games has been a really nice start.

“I’m pleased with where the group is now. I’m really pleased with their efforts. I’ve been pleased they’ve been able to show that they’re good players and a good team, and we’ve got to keep working hard.”

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About the author

Liam is the sports reporter for the Oxford Mail, primarily focusing on Oxford United.

He joined in November 2019 as a news reporter, and has previously covered patches including West Oxfordshire, education and local politics.

Liam received a Masters in Journalism from UCLan and can be found on X through the handle @OxMailLiamRice