NEWS UPDATE: A tragic car accident this morning claimed the life of a beloved Oxford United star.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Buckingham on Currie, One in, One Out and Squad Confirmed
It’s been a tale of left-backs for Oxford United this week with Des Buckingham addressing Jack Currie’s departure before injury to Joe Bennett.
Elsewhere, the club announced their 25-man squad to see them through until January while Kyle Edwards made a return to the club.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Left-Back Issues and 25-Man Squad Announcement
‘It Wasn’t Part of the Plan’
Des Buckingham has admitted that “it wasn’t part of the plan” for summer signing Jack Currie to leave on loan.
The 22-year-old joined Leyton Orient on deadline day but the U’s head coach has given an explanation as to why.
Speaking to the Oxford Mail, he said “We’ve got Greg Leigh and Joe Bennett, who have played pre-season and stepped up really well, so the worst thing you want to do is block pathways of our players.
“Jack will be a very important player to us at this club, and I don’t mean that long-term. I mean now and the medium-term.
“What I didn’t want to do was stifle his development in terms of game time, so whether it’s until January or not, getting him out and playing games at League One is a good level for him, rather than sitting here and continuing training, and maybe picking up the odd minute here and there in certain games
“It wasn’t part of the plan, but when we look at having Joe step up and do well, and Greg has done the same, rather than stockpile left backs, it’s the best thing for his development, but with the absolute intention of bringing him back here to continue with us.”
Short-Term Deal for Edwards
On Tuesday, Kyle Edwards penned a four month deal with the club.
The former Ipswich loanee struggled with injuries during him time at Oxford but remained with the club following his release from Portman Road.