Another busy week for Oxford United which included an exclusive interview with head coach Des Buckingham and a goalless draw against Burnley.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Des Buckingham Interview and Burnley Draw
‘I Can Never Say Never’
Des Buckingham has admitted that he had the opportunity to leave the club, when speaking on BBC Radio Oxford’s, ‘The Dub’.
The U’s head coach has reportedly been linked with the Wales and Cardiff City job in the past months after guiding his hometown club to the Championship.
He said: “I don’t think that’s sometimes in my hands. I think I’m sitting just under the top third of managers still in their jobs when I was appointed last November, which shows how volatile this career path can be.
“What I will say is that certainly since Wembley, I’ve had the opportunity where other people were interested. They’re not of interest to me.
“I can never say never, it’s not the reality of the world we work.
“As long as you continually feel we’re going in the right direction that we set out to, and you continually feel that you’re wanted, and as long as we keep doing well in the first team space, then as long as I’m happy, I’m in a good space.
“That’s probably the best answer I can give to you without anything ever coming back to haunt me.
“I’m very happy with what I’m doing, I’m leading my local club, there’s been a chance to seek other things, which I’m certainly not interested in right now, and it’s making sure as long as you’re wanted and you’re enjoying your job, I’m happy.”
Injury Update
Continuing with his conversation on ‘The Dub’, Buckingham addressed the club’s injury concerns.
He said: “At the moment, we’ve got Shemmy [Przemyslaw Placheta], who picked up an injury in the first couple of games. He will be at least another four weeks.
“We then lost Joe Bennett, and Joe we’re expecting back at the start of January from an ankle injury.
“Matty Phillips had to come off against Preston, and we’re still waiting for a timeframe for Matty at the moment.
“Cam [Brannagan] we’re expecting in six weeks to come back, but that will all be dependent on a scan that will happen in three weeks, just to make sure that is progressing the way we’re all expecting it to.
“Josh [McEachran] had to come off at the weekend with a groin issue, but it’s hopefully something that is short-term.
“He could be in contention for the weekend, but it’s probably more likely the Luton game on the Tuesday, or if not, the Portsmouth game the week after.”
Statement Against Burnley
Oxford remain unbeaten at home but dropped points at Grenoble Road for the first time this season.
However, there was no shame in that as Des Buckingham’s side held Burnley to goalless draw.
The visitors dominated possession and chances but it was a determined and disciplined display from the U’s.