Football Season Review

It was another season of play-off heartbreak for Oxford United, who were outclassed by Blackpool over two legs. They did well to extend their season in truth, having made a desperate start following a painful defeat to Wycombe Wanderers in last season’s League One play-off final at Wembley. Manager Karl Robinson kept most of the squad together, with the notable exception of central defender Rob Dickie but the hangover from the loss to the Chairboys saw them facing a relegation battle with winter approaching. The latest in a series of errors from goalkeeper Jake Eastwood in a home defeat to bitter rivals Swindon Town saw youngster Jack Stevens given his chance between the sticks and he took it with both hands. The side went on a remarkable nine-match winning run despite losing Shandon Baptiste and Tariqe Fosu-Henry to Brentford in the January transfer window. Their form remained consistent enough to sneak the last play-off place on the final day of the season. The U’s came up against a classy Blackpool side however and were beaten 6-3 on aggregate as they missed out on a return to Wembley. Rob Atkinson made the League One Team of the Year whilst Matty Taylor finished as leading goalscorer with 19 goals. Robinson could struggle to keep hold of his better players however with both Jack Stevens and midfield playmaker Cameron Brannigan linked with moves to Championship clubs this summer. Having come close in the previous two seasons, Robinson will be expected to deliver promotion next time around.

Player of the Season: Robert Atkinson