James M

\o/ Peter Fear - I remember him from Pogs I used to have :cool:

Wag

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>A Wright Touch
Thursday 16th March 2000

New Oxford United boss Jamie Waggett has boosted his depleted squad by announcing the news that Johnny Wright (24) has signed for the club on a two year deal. Wright is Waggett's first signing since taking over at the club just under a week ago.

The former Norwich City trainee, who plays at right back, made seven appearences for the Canaries between 1994 and 1997 before being released. He is in line to make his debut on Saturday against Chesterfield

Wright said: "I can feel myself getting fitter and I want to play games. It's an exciting time for the club with Jamie coming in and I would like to be part of it."

Also signing was former QPR left back Mark Graham. Graham (25) played 19 times for QPR between 1994 and 1999 and is expected to sign a two year contract this evening.

Graham said: "Obviously I was delighted when Jamie rang me and asked me to come to the club. I'm looking forward to hopefully playing although I know it's going to be tough what with Paul Powell already so well established at the club but I think I can push him all the way."

Wright and Graham are both from Northern Ireland and are two of just a number of new players Jamie Waggett hopes to add to the squad before next weeks transfer deadline.

Wright and Graham are two of a few plusses for Oxford this week with the news that defender Phil Whelan, wingback Paul Powell and winger Joey Beauchamp had agreed a new three year contracts with the club.

Also in other news the club have said that Peterborough midfielder Jae Martin and Wrexham defender Dave Ridler will both join the club next season having signed pre-contract agreements. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Wag

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Two more sign today!
Friday 17th March 2000

They're coming in thick and fast at the Manor Ground as Jamie Waggett unveilved two new strikers today

Alfonso Piola (20) was the first to join signing a three year contract after completing a successful weeks trial. Piola, who is of Brazilian origin but holds an Italian passport came through the youth ranks at Inter Milan but was subsequently released after Christmas.

The other new signing is former Arsenal and Bristol City forward Jehad Muntasser (21). Muntasser, a Libyan under 21 International has a fine pedigree and has signed a five year contract with Oxford. Although realises it's not going to be easy..

Jehad said: "I've come to Oxford to start again, things didn't go well for me at Bristol City but I think this is the right move. I'm only young but hopefully I'll get a chance between now and the end of the season that'll help me cement a regular place in the side."

The club have also revealed that First Division Port Vale winger Richard Eyre has rejected a loan move to the club.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Wag

Saturday 18th March 2000
The Manor Ground, Oxford
Oxford United vs Chesterfield

Oxford, sitting 15th were looking to impress under new boss Jamie Waggett and also hit back after last weeks stinging defeat against Cardiff City. Waggett gives a debut to new signing Johnny Wright at right back and James Lambert a rare start on the left of midfield. Other new signings Mark Graham, Alfonso Piola and Jehad Muntasser make the bench.

It was Oxford who started the brighter, Lambert winning an eighth minute corner from which Kevin Francis hit the bar as they looked to get an early goal. Winger Joey Beauchamp pushed into a central strikers role by Waggett was proving the most dangerous testing Chesterfield 'keeper Mark Gayle with a stinging drive after just 15 minutes and also Tony Carss tested Arendse from long range soon after it wasn't a huge surprize when Oxford did take the lead. Paul Powell moved forward unopposed from his left back role to the edge of the box before crossing low into the path of Robert Folland, unfortunately Folland found his path blocked by Ian Breckin but from the ball loose ball Joey Beauchamp hammered home to give Oxford a 1-0 lead after 25 minutes. It was almost two four minutes later as Kevin Francis showed quick feet to hit a snapshot from the edge of the box after good work from Peter Fear but Gayle was alert to turn it around the post.

The second half started with Oxford looking to increase their lead and it only took four minutes before they got a major chance. James Lambert found space in the box but was crudely hacked fown by Chris Perkins, who recieved a yellow card for his efforts. Joey Beauchamp stepped up and slotted the penalty low past Gayle to cap what had been a fine personal performance by the Oxford winger. Chesterfield went close to pulling one back shortly afterwards through a long range Carss effort but it should have been Beauchamp who scored the next goal dragging a shot wide from inside the area with a hattrick looking likely. Chesterfield did eventually pull one back Carss robbing substitute Piola on the half way line before advancing quickly and finding David Reeves on the edge of the box. A sharp turn by the big striker saw him create space and somehow he squeezed a low effort past Andre Arendse with little under 11 minutes to play. Oxford were immediately up the other end looking to extend the gap however but Gayle again pulled off a good save to stop a dipping Peter Fear drive and although chances did fall their way again it was Chesterfield who almost stole a point in the dieing moments. Substitute Andy Rushbury finding himself in acres of space inside the box but fortunately for Oxford Arendse managed to pull off a brilliant save with the ball arching towards the top corner.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Oxford United2 (Beauchamp 25, pen 49) Chesterfield1 (Reeves 79)Attendance - 6,269(4-3-3)Andre Arendse - Johnny Wright, Paul Powell, Steve Davis (bk), Phil Whelan - Mark Watson, Robert Folland (Alfonso Piola 73), Peter Fear (c), James Lambert - Joey Beauchamp, Kevin FrancisUnused Subs - PÃ¥l Lundin (gk), Steve Anthrobus, Mark Graham, Jehad Muntasser</pre>

[This message was edited by Wag on 24 April 2004 at 22:39.]

Wag

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Fifty Up for Beauchamp
Monday 20th March 2000

Joey Beauchamp now has fifty goals for Oxford following his double against Chesterfield. His first was his 50th for the club and his third of the season, shortly followed by his fourth and 51st coming in his 284th appearence for the club.

Versatile Canadian defender Mark Watson has gone on the transfer list at his own request. Watson is unlikely to be offered a new contract and has recently stated he will be leaving the club when his contract expires in June. This comes despite Watson having played 49 times for the club since joining from Swedish club Öster in 1998.

The club has also agreed terms with four players for Bosman moves. Stoke City attacking midfielder David Oldfield. Oldfield (31) will move in the summer when his contract expires and can play on the right or in the centre. Also set to join are Derby County's English/Australian left back Tony Dorigo (34), Morecambe right winger Justin Jackson (25) and Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Dave Beasant (40).

Derek Lilley resumes full training and should play some part tomorrow night at Luton.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Wag

Tuesday 21st March 2000
Kenilworth Road, Luton
Luton Town vs Oxford United

Oxford came away from Luton with a point but in all honesty it could have been three had they taken the chances that befell them. It was actually Luton who started the stronger though Andre Arendse being forced into a smart save at the feet of striker Liam George and then minutes later defender Marvin Johnson going close with a long range freekick. They even hit the bar from left winger Andre Scarlett's long range volley but from then on it was all Oxford as Mark Watson, Robert Folland (who hit the bar with a neat cross shot) and Kevin Francis all tested Nathan Abbey before half time.

Luton started the second half much like they began the first - Gavin McGowan forcing Arendse into two stunning saves from freekicks around the area. It wasn't long though until Oxford were back in their stride and soon they were in front. Joey Beauchamp tore down the left flank before cutting inside and finding Peter Fear on the edge of the area. Fear twisted inside his man and advanced on Abbey before drilling his shot across the 'keeper into the top corner of the net for a 61st minute opener, his first for the club.

The lead didn't last long though a McGowan freekick deflected off Phil Whelan for a corner and from the resulting kick Stuart Fraser powered home Johnson's swinging effort for his first ever goal for Luton. Beauchamp and Andrew Fotiadis traded half chances in the closing stages but in the end I think both managers will be satisfied with the point.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Luton Town1 (Fraser 68)Oxford United1 (Fear 61) Attendance - 8,491(4-3-3)Andre Arendse - Johnny Wright, Paul Powell, Steve Davis (bk), Phil Whelan - Mark Watson, Robert Folland, Peter Fear (c) (bk), James Lambert - Joey Beauchamp, Kevin Francis (Derek Lilley 76)Unused Subs - PÃ¥l Lundin (gk), Steve Anthrobus, Mark Graham, Ben Abbey</pre>

Wag

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Transfer Deadline Day Deals
Friday 24rd March 2000

Oxford United were very busy in the transfer market today bringing in four new players as well as announcing the arrival of several other new faces for next season.

The first to join was Watford's Nick Wright. Wright (24) first came to prominance during a loan spell at Carlisle United whilst playing for his first club Derby County before being snapped up by present club Watford for whom he played thirty three times last season. Injuries have however blighted his second season, as he has appeared just four times. Wright signs on loan until the end of the season.

Wright said: "Obviously it's a bit of a wrench to leave Watford so soon as I'm just returning to full fitness but joining Oxford gives me the chance to get some games under my belt before I return to Watford for pre season and hopefully get my chance to make a mark on the Premiership."

Another loan signing until the end of the season was Chelsea's Paul Hughes. Hughes (23) is a left sided midfielder who has found it difficult to break into the Chelsea first team and see's the move as a chance to impress scouts and perhaps earn himself a permanent move.

Hughes said: "I'm very grateful of Jamie for giving me this chance. I know he's unlikely to be able to afford to buy me from Chelsea but if I impress perhaps the two clubs can come to some sort of agreement. Who knows what the future holds?"

The third player into The Manor Ground was a surprize even to most of those well connected within the club. Former Sporting Gijón defender Rubén DarÃ*o Acebal. Acebal (25) has played 99 games for the Gijón outfit at Full and B level and found himself surplus to requirements after he was told his contract wasn't going to be renued, the Spaniard is most likely to slot into the center of defence but can also play as a sweeper has signed a three year contract.

Jamie Waggett said: "You have no idea how delighted I am to have finally secured the signing of Rubén. We beat off competition from several other sides including two in the Spanish top flight, I just hope he settles quickly but fully believe he has what it takes to be a truely great player for the club."

The final player was former Oldham Athletic manager Andy Ritchie joined the club on a short term contract until the end of the season. Ritchie (39) had appeared 31 times for his former club scoring 3 times this season and can play either as a right sided attacking midfielder or a central striker.

Ritchie said: "Jamie's given me the chance to finish the season with Oxford and perhaps put myself in the frame for a coaching position at the club next season. I don't mind if I'm not playing I'm just here to add a little bit of experience on the training ground."

In other news the club revealed that a move for recently sacked Fulham manager Paul Bracewell fell through after they ran out of time to complete the deal. The defensive midfielder who has appeared thirty times for the club this season was set to sign a short term contract with the club but the deadline got in the way, it's thought they might be a way to get around it though by offering him a coaching role and then registering him as a player. We shall wait and see.

And finally the club revealed four more new signings for next season. They are Chesterfield central defender Ian Breckin (25), Wimbledon duo goalkeeper Paul Heald (31) and midfielder Stewart Castledine (27) and Everton keeper Paul Gerrard (27).

The moves for Heald and Gerrard put in doubt the futures of current goalkeepers Andre Arendse and PÃ¥l Lundin as well as that of possible summer signing Dave Beasant. When asked about the situation manager Waggett replied "We'll cross that path when it comes to the end of the season. For now I just want the current 'keepers - Arendse and Lundin to concentrate on their form and the job in hand."<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Wag

Saturday 25th March 2000
The Manor Ground, Oxford
Oxford United vs Reading

Oxford United gave a full debut to new signing Nick Wright and places on the bench went to other signings Paul Hughes, Andy Ritchie and Rubén DarÃ*o Acebal in what was to prove a frenetic derby game. Reading had the first chance of the match when right winger Sean Evers cleverly turned Paul Powell on the edge of the box but his tenth minute effort barely troubled Arendse as it drifted just wide of the far upright. It didn't take Oxford long to find their rythem though and with their first real chance of the match they scored. Derek Lilley was allowed time and space to run down the Reading right wing before crossing low into the path of strike partner Joey Beauchamp. Beauchamp took a touch before boring down on goal crashing a low shot past 'keeper Scott Howie to give the home side a 15th minute lead. Lilley was again involved on the half hour as Oxford looked to stretch their lead, the Scottish striker seized on a pass from Johnny Wright and drilled a low bouncing effort from 25 yards out that Howie did well to turn away and then better to smother the loose ball as Beauchamp approached at speed. It was looking like just a matter of time for Oxford as James Lambert and Nick Wright started to find more space and time on the flanks but it was Reading who threatened again through Evers - the Irish youngster crashing in a long distance shot that Arendse had to tip over the bar, it proved to be only a false dawn though as Oxford did increase their lead on the stroke of half time. Peter Fear dispossed Sean Evers and fed Mark Watson who strode forward before putting a neat ball inside Reading left back for the onrushing Nick Wright to pick up and crash home past Howie. It was the simplest of goals from Wright and I doubt he could have asked for much more on his debut.

Paul Hughes came on for Mark Watson at half time for his debut, the Canadian had to come off after picking up a knock but it was an unlikely source who threatend most in the early stages of the second half. Lilley and Beauchamp had forced Howie into good blocks with close range efforts before a succession of corners saw Phil Whelan come close on three occasions to nearly increasing the lead. The defender being denied by a post, a goal line clearance and finally Howie. How he must have wished he'd converted one when on 70 minutes Reading pulled one back. Paul Hughes was adjudged to have handled on the edge of the box and Chris Casper crisply cracked home the resulting freekick. It sprung Jamie Waggett into action as Andy Ritchie and Rubén DarÃ*o Acebal both soon made their way into the action. It was the former who produced the most problems for Reading as Ritchie belied his aged years to test Howie with an acrobatic volley and then a diving header. However, it was nearly all in vain as in the final minute Nicky Forster found himself in acres of space and motering into the Oxford penalty area, he jinked inside an onrushing defender before crashing in a wicked shot but somehow Arendse pulled off a brilliant one handed save to tip the ball away to safety and give Oxford the points.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Oxford United2 (Beauchamp 15, N.Wright 44)Reading1 (Casper 71)Attendance - 9, 609(4-3-3)Andre Arendse - Johnny Wright (Andy Ritchie 72), Paul Powell (bk) (Rubén DarÃ*o Acebal 72), Steve Davis (bk), Phil Whelan - Mark Watson (Paul Hughes 46), Nick Wright, Peter Fear (c) (bk), James Lambert (bk) - Joey Beauchamp, Derek LilleyUnused Subs - PÃ¥l Lundin (gk), Ben Abbey</pre>

Wag

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Pre-Contracts
Wednesday 29th March 2000
Oxford United today confirmed the signing of Luton Town defender Marvin Johnson (31), Scunthorpe United's versatile
utility man Steve Housham (24), Port Vale winger Wayne Corden (24) and Stoke City right wingback Jason Kavanagh (28) after
all four signed pre contract agreements.

It is muted that several other players are likely to be on there way into the club as well as out. One such player is
left winger Jamie Cook (20). Cook has agreed to join Bristol City after the club accepted an £85k bid from the Robins,
he has appeared five times this season and 44 times in total for Oxford scoring 3 times in the process. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Wag

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
Oxford in Trouble
Friday 31st March 2000

Oxford United have been placed in administration hours before tomorrow's game away at Scunthorpe United it has been revealed.

Chairman Firoz Kassam has announced that he will continue to chairman the club for at least the foreseeable future.

"I will officially sign the document that places Oxford United Football Club in administration," he said.

With debts in the region of £12 million, not the £20m some reports had suggested, it appears the club's main creditors have run out of patience with the Manor Ground club.

And Kassam, who admitted that "clearly, others have lost confidence in me. When it was made known to me that the club might be taken into administration, I have done my utmost to try to convince those parties involved that the situation could be successfully resolved, No avenue of opportunity was left unexplored and I did everything I could - and have continued to try again and again over the weekend to gain the support of the bank. But, unfortunately, my petitions were unsuccessful."

Kassam praised the club's supporters and urged them not to lose heart.

"They have given their all and there is nothing that anyone involved with this club should be ashamed of," he insisted.

The Oxford United board have said that manager Jamie Waggett may no longer be in a position to refuse reasonable transfer offers for any squad member. What with the recent pre-negotiated departure of young winger Jamie Cook it seems many more may soon follow. Also many of the players pre-contracted to join the club in the summer may be asked to re-negotiate their contracts or transfers cancelled altogether. It is truely a harrowing time for all those involved with the club. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>