OISIN Smyth believes last season’s managerial change at Oxford United came at the right time for his progression at the club.
The midfielder joined United from Dungannon Swifts on January deadline day last year, while Karl Robinson was in charge of the U’s, however he did not make his league debut until after Robinson was sacked.
Caretaker boss Craig Short introduced Smyth for the injured James Henry during the 3-2 loss at home to Derby County in March, before Liam Manning then handed Smyth his first league start in the 1-1 draw at Morecambe, Manning’s first game as United head coach.
Prior to those appearances, Smyth had been limited to just two games in a U’s shirt, both as a substitute.
READ AGAIN: Oisin Smyth opens up on challenging first year with Oxford United
The 23-year-old midfielder endured a difficult start to life at United, with opportunities away from the club also proving difficult to come by.
He injured his hamstring just as he was about to head out on loan to an unnamed Vanarama National League side back in October, before a trial at a Sky Bet League Two club in December saw no loan deal struck.
Smyth then made three appearances for National League side Solihull Moors during a loan spell in January.
Although his presence in the U’s matchday squad is more settled now, he remained confident he would get chances when he was not in the picture.
He said: “Since the gaffer came in, I felt more part of it and although we’ve added the depth, the opportunity is still there for minutes. I just want to push on and get more.
“In terms of how I train and apply myself, I always thought I was going to get minutes eventually.
“It came to a bit of a standstill at one stage and I did need that change. It came at the right time for me.”
The Northern Irish midfielder added: “I don’t think you’ve seen much from me yet, there’s still a lot more to come.
“I’m working hard to try and get in the team, and show what I can do. I can guarantee when I get my chance, I’ll take it.”
“They were brilliant and probably the best team we’ve played so far. Some of the football they played was outstanding.”@OxCityFC head coach Ross Jenkins reflects on last night’s defeat at home to Gatesheadhttps://t.co/tN8EXUzZcl
— Liam Rice (@OxMailLiamRice) September 27, 2023
Smyth believes that Manning’s style of play and the variation in skillsets that the midfield department possesses is to his advantage.
He said: “The way the gaffer likes to play with two holding midfielders, it suits me down to the ground and gives me a better chance of breaking in.
“With the two sixes and who I’m playing with, I think I have that versatility to play that bit further forward or a bit deeper.
“I like that freedom to go and join the attack, but at the same time, dropping in and getting on the ball.
“The one thing we touch on all the time is the difference we have in there and the different types of players we bring when one of us comes in and one of us comes out. It gives the opposition something to think about.
“In terms of what we do, you never like to play with someone who’s quite similar, so it gives us that versatility in there as well.”
Smyth added: “We knew that coming into this year, the gaffer wanted that depth and that’s what we’ve seen.
“We’ve seen a lot of squad rotation, but the performances have been there and when you’re winning, you can’t really complain.”
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