Two minute guide to: Oxford United
The Valiants travel to Oxfordshire this weekend and as usual OVF has briefly profiled our next opponents – Oxford United.
Man in charge
Chris Wilder was appointed in 2008 and is the club’s longest serving manager since Dennis Smith back in 1993. He has been in charge for 224 games, winning 101, losing 65 and drawing 58.
Last time we met
The Valiants secured a comfortable 3-0 victory in front of the Sky Sports cameras back in October. Vale’s goals came from Ashley Vincent, Tom Pope and Sam Morsy.
Overall record
Oxford are just edging it with eleven wins to Vale’s ten. There have also been nine draws. However, the Valiants have to go all the way back to 1997 for their last win at Oxford. That game was memorable for current Vale player Darren Purse, who was sent-off as Vale won 2-0 thanks to goals from Lee Mills and Tony Naylor (pictured).
Featured connections
There will be three players facing their former clubs. The afore-mentioned Darern Purse is now playing for the Valiants, while midfielder Ryan Burge had a loan spell at Oxford.
Sean Rigg moved to Oxford in the summer and will face his former club Vale.
Other connections
Lewis Haldane, who sadly retired earlier this season had a spell at Oxford. Notable figures to appear for both sides include Vale greats Martin Foyle (pictured) and Brian Horton (who has also managed both sides).
Other players to appear for both sides include Levi Reid, Michael Husbands, Craig Davies (pictured), Sam Stockley, Martin Aldridge (RIP), Chris Allen, John Durnin, Arjan van Heusden and Mick Morris.
Team news
Micky Adams may be tempted to make changes after the Valiants have scored just one goal in their last four games. A fans’ vote on this site has suggested a recall for Louis Dodds would be popular, but Adams may also be tempted to reintroduce Lee Hughes to the starting eleven after illness.
Elsewhere, there are suggestions that left-back Dan Jones may be ill and that could see Adam Yates lining up in the left-back slot.
Other players in contention include fit-again Liam Chilvers plus Sam Morsy, Chris Shuker and Rob Taylor.
Opponents Oxford United welcome back Andy Whing and Lewis Montrose.
Pre-match quotes
“We certainly didn’t do ourselves any sort of justice when we were up at Vale Park earlier in the season, we know we are better than that, and on Saturday we just need to show the sort of qualities that we showed down at Gillingham in midweek.”
– Chris Wilder
“We have always said we have got a decent squad. It might be time for the those who have been on the sidelines to have a run in the side, but we’ll pick whatever we think is the best team to get a result at Oxford.”
– Micky Adams