Oxford United must turn it around (From Witney Gazette)
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Oxford United must turn it around
9:30am Friday 15th February 2013 in Oxford Utd
By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458
Skipper Jake Wright does not want United to get sucked into a relegation dogfight
JAKE Wright says it is vital Oxford United halt their winless run quickly or they risk getting dragged into a relegation battle.
The U’s have picked up just one point from their last five games, which has seen the gap to the npower League Two play-off places stretch from two points to ten.
Following a 2-1 home defeat to Fleetwood Town on Tuesday, they are now closer to the bottom two.
The U’s do have a nine-point cushion over the strugglers, so at this stage there is little cause for alarm with 15 games remaining.
But ahead of a trip to Plymouth Argyle, who are involved in the dogfight at the bottom, Wright knows how important it is to rediscover the winning habit.
The U’s skipper said: “At the moment we’re in a comfortable position regarding relegation, but lose five or six more games and you’re not in a comfortable position.
“Teams below us will pick points up and then you’d be looking over your shoulder – we don’t want to get to that stage because that’s when the pressure comes.
“At the moment, I don’t think we’re playing under too much pressure. If you’re feeling it, you have to get on with it.
“Plymouth are a side we’ve already beaten twice this season.
“They’re going to want to win and get three points closer to us. Let’s not beat around the bush, we’re on 39 points and they’re on 32, so three points is big for them.
“We need to make sure we win and move three points further away from them.
“They’ll be up for it and it’s going to be a difficult game, but there’s no reason why we can’t go there and win.”
While Wright says the squad are “hurting” from recent results, the defender takes consolation from the performances.
The 26-year-old thinks everyone can improve, but is convinced the run will turn if players stick to their task.
He said: “There’s not a lack of commitment. Everyone’s together, but it’s just not going for us at the moment.
“If we keep doing the right things it will turn around.”
Comments(9)
oldun
says...
11:51am Fri 15 Feb 13
oldun
says...
11:51am Fri 15 Feb 13
Joe1
says...
12:06pm Fri 15 Feb 13
We can only hope for one!!!!
Malcy69
says...
6:34pm Fri 15 Feb 13
Richard Wickson
says...
8:35pm Fri 15 Feb 13
Joe1
says...
9:34am Sat 16 Feb 13
We are a struggling team or maybe that should be club as we don't own the stadium or have control over the ground staff and share with a rugby club that leaves the pitch in a dreadful condition. I have noticed this week that Gilingham have signed 2 players from Premiership clubs and now Southend have signed a guy from Stoke, what is it with OU as we only sign lower league players nobody wants, we used to be an attractive club but no more. I am extremely worried about the immediate future unless we get the Kassam millstone of our backs and get a new board, Lenaghan obviously doesn't have a serious interest in the improvement of anything to do with this once proud club
Agrre with you have stated Ri.Wckson. I can't understand why the current owners don't sell our club. He & his Family are not Football people, the current state of the club & the ground is horrid. We will never be able move on & up while the club is being run by these type of distant & non caring individuals. G-D help us!!!!!!
oldun
says...
10:54am Sat 16 Feb 13
CRSDC
says...
12:26pm Sat 16 Feb 13
Manor Born wrote:Great Post....Lenegan & Wilder Out!
"The U’s do have a nine-point cushion over the strugglers, so at this stage there is little cause for alarm with 15 games remaining."
Little cause for alarm? Our form and that of those below us is a massive cause for concern and alarm. A win tomorrow would go a massive way into securing our Football League status, defeat and our future is far less certain. Problem is, as with Tuesday, I just don't see where we're going to get the result.
I seem to recall similar talk in 2005. People got complacent and said we were comfortable with no chance of relegation.
Manor Born says...
11:27am Fri 15 Feb 13
Little cause for alarm? Our form and that of those below us is a massive cause for concern and alarm. A win tomorrow would go a massive way into securing our Football League status, defeat and our future is far less certain. Problem is, as with Tuesday, I just don't see where we're going to get the result.
I seem to recall similar talk in 2005. People got complacent and said we were comfortable with no chance of relegation.