BarryLFC

February/March 2008

Defeat at Bolton was to be just the first of five consecutive league defeats. Throw in an FA Cup exit at the hands of Leeds United and it was a bad spell, if ever there was one. Wins over Panathinaikos by 3-0 at home and 2-0 away secured UEFA Cup progress, but there was little else to celebrate.

That victory set up a last 16 clash with Bordeaux. The trip to France for the first leg was a sombre affair, off the back of those five successive league defeats, at the hands of Bolton, Manchester United, Everton, Chelsea and Tottenham, but for all that form was poor, Owen and Martins were scoring goals, and Crespo had his share off the bench.

Remarkably then, it was Scott Parker, with his ninth goal of the season, who netted a vital away strike midway through the first half. It was to be the only goal of a disappointing televisual spectacle, but it put United in the driving seat for a Quarter Final place.

With no domestic fixtures in the interim, it was Bordeaux once more for Baggins' men. Robert Koren's 13th minute penalty doubled the aggregate advantage and ensured there would be no extra time and no penalties at the culmination of this tie. A bad rib injury suffered by Obafemi Martins at the end of the first half created an opportunity for Hernan Crespo, who duly netted with his first touch. James Milner made it safe early in the second half, Bordeaux's 84th minute counter mattering little, though perhaps upsetting for Titus Bramble, responsible for steering the ball past Carlo Cudicini.

The draw for the Quarter and Semi Finals would see Newcastle face Porto for the right to face the winner of Lyon-Manchester United. It would then be Espanyol, Tottenham, Atletico Madrid or Bayern Munich in the Final, all going well.

Hernan Crespo's first half goal was enough to see off ten man Stoke at St James' Park and snap the run of defeats, but though Daniel Braaten opened the scoring at home to Blackburn, Robbie Savage soon tied that one up. Michael Owen was obviously not amused, and restored the advantage, ultimately extending the winning streak to two.

Defeat at Villa, after being reduced to ten men in a controversial penalty incident whilst leading, was not a disaster, but defeat at home to a struggling Leeds side, squaring up for the fourth time this season, would be.

Scott Parker's tenth goal of the season lessened the risk, and Wayne Bridge's first almost removed it entirely. Hernan Crespo struck before the break to seal the points, and it was all over bar the shouting. Michael Owen got in on the act after the break and shortly thereafter it was ten for Crespo - the fourth Newcastle player to reach double figures this year already.

The board offered Baggins a contract extension after the game, but no decision would be forthcoming before the season's end...

BarryLFC

February/March Stats

Newcastle 1-2 Manchester United Koumas
Everton 3-0 Newcastle
Newcastle 3-0 Panathinaikos Owen, Aldonin, Crespo pen
Newcastle 1-2 Leeds (FA Cup R5) Owen
Panathinaikos 0-2 Newcastle Martins, Owen
Newcastle 3-4 Chelsea Owen (2), Taylor

Tottenham 4-1 Newcastle Martins
Bordeaux 0-1 Newcastle Parker
Newcastle 3-1 Bordeaux Koren pen, Crespo, Milner
Newcastle 1-0 Stoke Crespo
Newcastle 2-1 Blackburn Braaten, Owen
Aston Villa 2-1 Newcastle Crespo
Newcastle 5-0 Leeds Parker, Bridge, Crespo (2), Owen

No transfer activity.

BarryLFC

April/May 2008

Extending Hernan Crespo's contract was the first order of business, and with the major compromise of a £3.7m minimum fee release clause, a two year deal was done and signed.

A bad Titus Bramble pass back allowed Middlesbrough to net a 90th minute leveller in the derby at the Riverside, but the point was much appreciated off the back of a hard-fought 2-1 defeat at Porto. The Portuguese side arrived in Newcastle for leg 2 confident of progress, but Baggins was not about to send his side out unprepared.

After the press made the most of his 100th game in charge for the first leg, Frodo was happy to talk football ahead of the second leg. Eduardo was the main threat, Faty a tough defender, but Newcastle had talented players of their own, and Owen-Crespo was proving a relatively prolific duo.

Fourteen minutes in, Michael Owen headed Newcastle ahead on away goals. Then the action started. Back and forward, shots, saves, drama. Porto equalised on the night after half an hour, but it should have been all square at the interval, Owen fizzing a shot inches over on the stroke of half time. Baggins knew one more Porto goal would leave his side needing three more to progress, so there was an element of caution to his instructions at the break. Nevertheless a goal was required, and with Porto's keeper seeming nicked up, shots were called for. Perhaps he was too cautious, as 1-1 was insufficient, and the Portuguese went through.

A win at Blackburn would secure Newcastle's Premiership future, and that was of top priority. An early red card for the home side's Ian Murray made it more possible, but first half goals did not follow. Not for Newcastle. Benni McCarthy, though, netted in injury time for the hosts. It was about as dire a performance as you would expect coming off a European letdown, but losing 2-0 at a ten-man opponent (for 82 minutes, no less) is never acceptable.

With Fulham's prospective new owner pledging £75m in transfer funds, it promised to be a tougher task to stay in the division next year, not that this was of immediate concern. Survival would now be assured by a win at Man City, or by Preston failing to win at home to Man Utd. Today, it seemed, would be the day. Except that, with half an hour to play, Preston led 1-0, as did Man City. And so it ended.

Still, results elsewhere meant that Stoke could only catch Baggins' side on goal difference, and with four game to play, it seemed a matter of time until all was tied up satisfactorily.

Michael Owen's thirtieth goal of a great comeback season was followed by a Robert Koren strike as Wigan collapsed at St James' Park. Owen and Cudicini succumbed to minor knocks at halftime, but Odegaard and Srnicek were more than competent in their steads, easing the side to three points and a place in next season's Premiership.

Three meaningless games remained, at home to Liverpool and Arsenal, and at bottom side Fulham. With the pressure off, a tremendous first half ensued against Liverpool, Peter Crouch, Robert Koren, Alexander Odegaard and Mohamed Sissoko all netting within eight minutes to take the game in 2-2 at the break. Dirk Kuyt kept it going early in the second half, but nobody else was paying attention and it ended 3-2.

Hernan Crespo's second half goal at Fulham saw off the newly-relegated side with the new owner, before Arsenal travelled north on the back of a 5-4 defeat to Manchester United, theoretically extending the title race to the final day, though United would require some turnaround in goal difference to edge Chelsea.

On the morning of the game Baggins advised the board that he would not be returning for a third season. Steve Clarke was put in charge of the team for the 2-1 defeat, but it was as meaningless a game for Newcastle as you could hope to find.

Phase one was complete.

BarryLFC

April/May Stats

Porto 2-1 Newcastle Gray
Middlesbrough 1-1 Newcastle Owen
Newcastle 1-1 Porto Owen
Blackburn 2-0 Newcastle
Manchester City 1-0 Newcastle
Newcastle 2-0 Wigan Owen, Koren
Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool Koren, Odegaard
Fulham 0-1 Newcastle Crespo
Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal Owen

Transfers Out

Nick Barmby, released

Premiership Table

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | ECC | Chelsea | | 38 | 25 | 8 | 5 | 63 | 26 | +37 | 83 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | ECC | Tottenham | | 38 | 22 | 12 | 4 | 62 | 27 | +35 | 78 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | ECC | Man Utd | | 38 | 23 | 8 | 7 | 71 | 42 | +29 | 77 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | ECC | Arsenal | | 38 | 22 | 10 | 6 | 84 | 44 | +40 | 76 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | EC | Liverpool | | 38 | 22 | 6 | 10 | 73 | 45 | +28 | 72 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Man City | | 38 | 19 | 6 | 13 | 57 | 51 | +6 | 63 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Aston Villa | | 38 | 17 | 10 | 11 | 58 | 45 | +13 | 61 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Middlesbrough | | 38 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 53 | 44 | +9 | 52 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Bolton | | 38 | 14 | 10 | 14 | 60 | 62 | -2 | 52 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Portsmouth | | 38 | 15 | 5 | 18 | 64 | 63 | +1 | 50 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Everton | | 38 | 14 | 6 | 18 | 60 | 59 | +1 | 48 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Blackburn | | 38 | 13 | 8 | 17 | 47 | 61 | -14 | 47 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|</pre><pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| 13th | | Newcastle | | 38 | 12 | 10 | 16 | 51 | 54 | -3 | 46 |</pre><pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Charlton | | 38 | 10 | 16 | 12 | 48 | 52 | -4 | 46 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | West Ham | | 38 | 12 | 8 | 18 | 49 | 68 | -19 | 44 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Wigan | | 38 | 12 | 5 | 21 | 52 | 71 | -19 | 41 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Preston | | 38 | 8 | 9 | 21 | 34 | 66 | -32 | 33 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | R | Stoke | | 38 | 7 | 10 | 21 | 21 | 51 | -30 | 31 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | R | Fulham | | 38 | 4 | 13 | 21 | 32 | 65 | -33 | 25 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | R | Leeds | | 38 | 6 | 7 | 25 | 30 | 73 | -43 | 25 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|</pre>

BarryLFC

BarryLFC

June/July 2008

The unveiling of Frodo Baggins as manager of Oxford United was as big a shock to Baggins himself as it was to the football world in general. Over the next six weeks or so it became a bigger shock yet to the playing staff, just four of whom were deemed required.

Also staying in situe were three youngsters on loan from parent club Portsmouth, with another being added by Baggins, along with Leicester's Andy Johnson and Ryan Flynn of Liverpool. On permanent deals there was a wide mix. Four Africans signed up - George Abbey of Nigeria, Tony Boto of Uganda, Eric Odhiambo of Tanzania and Republic of Congo striker Guylian Ndumbu-Nsungu.

Alan Wright had experience to spare, as did Adrian Williams, even David Partridge arrived with international caps as the back four was solidified. Scotsman Kevin Harper, Ciaran Toner of Northern Ireland and Welsh legend Eifion Williams also signed up, along with Wigan old boy Andy Liddell. Veteran forward Kevin Campbell, youngster Tommy Tejan-Sie, Dave McClements of Sheffield Wednesday and Australian prospect James Meredith completed the additions.

If this side was to gel in time for competitive action, it would take one heck of a coaching job, that was for sure and for certain.

BarryLFC

June/July Stats

Oxford United 0-0 Dundee United
Oxford United 0-4 Hibernian
Oxford United 0-1 Tranmere
Oxford United 2-1 Waterford Utd Odhiambo, own goal
Oxford United 2-0 Shrewsbury Basham, Liddell
Oxford United 0-2 Portsmouth Reserves

Transfers In

Andy Liddell, Free Transfer
Kevin Harper, Free Transfer
Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu, Free Transfer
George Abbey, Free Transfer
Tony Boto, Free Transfer
Kevin Campbell, Free Transfer
David Partridge, Free Transfer
Ciaran Toner, Free Transfer
Eifion Williams, Free Transfer
Eric Odhiambo, Free Transfer
Alan Wright, Free Transfer
Adrian Williams, Free Transfer
James Meredith, Free Transfer
Tommy Tejan-Sie, Free Transfer
Dave McClements, Sheffield Wednesday, Free
Bernd Schmidt, Portsmouth, Loan
James Wilson, Portsmouth, Loan
Ian Black, Portsmouth, Loan
Adam Campbell, Portsmouth, Loan
Ryan Flynn, Liverpool, Loan
Andy Johnson, Leicester, Loan

Transfers Out

David Malloy, Free Transfer
Chris Hargreaves, Free Transfer
Billy Turley, Free Transfer
Theo Streete, Free Transfer
Paul Culshaw, Free Transfer
Ryan Amoo, Stevenage, £6K
Marvin Robinson, Bournemouth, Free

BarryLFC

August 2008

August saw further reinforcements arrive ahead of the transfer window's close, but not before some decent results had been accumulated. After losing 1-0 at home to Tranmere in the opener and again at Walsall on matchday three, it seemed there was an issue to address, but with a 1-0 win at home to Darlington seperating the defeats and a 3-1 win at Hartlepool following them, most concerns were waved away.

With all the important loan players ineligible for the cup tie at Fulham, a shadow side lost 2-0, but put on a good show in exiting the League Cup at the First Round. Bury and Lincoln felt the brunt of the frustration, losing 3-2 and 3-0 respectively, before Stockport halted the good run with a fine 2-1 win over a lacklustre Oxford side at the Kassam.

Three players were added in the month, Callum Davidson arriving on a free from Preston, with non-attached players Momo Sylla, once of Celtic, and Janez Zavri, a Slovenia international, signing up also. There were no further departures, and it seemed to Baggins as good a squad as he could hope to build at this level.

With Tony Boto scoring a good few goals, and Ian Black looking imperious in a holding/setup role, flair players like Kevin Harper and Tommy Tejan-Sie were allowed to express themselves to good effect. A decent league position, and a genuine shout of promotion were already in the squad's sights, though it would take a great deal of teamwork, effort and luck to achieve promotion at the first attempt, following two years outside the Football League structure.

BarryLFC

August Stats

Oxford United 0-1 Tranmere
Oxford United 1-0 Darlington Boto
Walsall 1-0 Oxford United
Hartlepool 1-3 Oxford United Boto (2), Harper
Fulham 2-0 Oxford United (League Cup R1)
Oxford United 3-2 Bury Flynn, Tejan-Sie, A.Williams
Lincoln 0-3 Oxford United Tejan-Sie (2), Harper
Oxford United 1-2 Stockport Harper

Transfers In

Callum Davidson, Preston, Free
Momo Sylla, Free Transfer (07/08 - Leicester)
Janez Zavri, Free Transfer (07/08 - Domzale)

BarryLFC

September 2008

With Boto and Ndumbu-Nsungu on International duty it was Eric Odhiambo who started in the month's opening fixture at Grimsby. In the end he played well for 70 minutes, before picking up a knock and being replaced by wily veteran Kevin Campbell. Not that it mattered, Kevin Harper and David Partridge having secured a good 2-0 win. Torquay were similarly dismissed at the Kassan, Boto returning with a goal, and Tejan-Sie joining the Ugandan and Harper on four for the year with a fine long-range strike.

With the 19-year old leading the line so authoritatively it seemed that he was much older. The physical skills to go with his football brain were providing a treat for all Oxford fans to savour. After failing to make the grade at Ipswich, Boto likely realises this is his last real chance to make it as a pro, and boy has he responded. When questioned Baggins acknowledged his progress with a smile. It promises to be a fine season for United supporters everywhere.

A disappointing draw at home to struggling Aldershot wasn't enough to derail Boto, who netted for the fifth time on the year, maintaining the side's fourth place, though knowing a win would have lifted them to second. Despite this, the team was positive ahead of a trip to high-flying Cheltenham. No changes were made to the starting lineup, though Ryan Flynn was not expected to play more than a half. Eric Odhiambo, Momo Sylla and Callum Davidson dropped off the bench in favour of fit again George Abbey, Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu and veteran forward Andy Liddell. The stage was set.

Five in ten was a great strike rate for young Boto, but eight goals in the first eleven games between the two wingers was also impressive. Strange then, that it was goalless at the break - Andy Johnson coming closest in injury time. With Liddell in for Flynn, the second half seemed set to be somewhat tougher, but it was the visitors who started to create chances. Boto, Harper and Tejan-Sie all missed opportunities they might have scored, before Andy Johnson netted from 25 yards with little over five minutes to go. Of course the home side instantly levelled despite having offered no threat since half time, and took a point.

Peterbrough away seemed a tough enough task, without having to face bottom dogs Wycombe at home just three days later. It was all Baggins could do to maintain focus during the trip, and an increasingly distracted Alan Wright was unceremoniously dumped in favour of a debut for James Meredith. Without inspiration Baggins simply sent his side out to do their best, hoping it would be enough.

An open first half produced chances, mostly for Oxford, but no goals. With Baggins desperate not to leave empty-handed, encouragement was given at the break, but an injury to Kevin Harper with twenty minutes left seemed to end the goal threat. Ndumbu-Nsungu replaced Boto, but moments later the home side grabbed an unlikely opener. Try as they might, Oxford could only score once, through Adrian Williams, and David Partrdige's own goal ended the match in defeat. Despite managing only one shot on target, Peterborough had won 2-1.

Wycombe ought to be easy beats, but with no wins in four and Wanderers unbeated in three it would have been foolish for Baggins to take anything for granted. Frodo gambled on an unchanged XI, but he needn't have fretted, Boto netting in the fourth minute to settle the nerves. Ian Black headed home an eighth minute corner to put United on easy street, and from then on it seemed a question of how many. Black netted again with a fine finish five minutes from the break, and it was cruise control time. A long-range Meredith goal cemented matters after the break. It was just what Baggins had hoped for, but hadn't dared expect.