Oxford United told to create their own destiny in survival fight
Matt Bloomfield says Oxford United cannot expect help from anyone else in the race to stay up, with the U’s boss urging his players to take control of their own future ahead of a huge clash with Wrexham.
Oxford’s position is now painfully simple. Defeat at Derby County has left them five points from safety, albeit with a game in hand, and the margin for error is almost gone. At this stage of the season every result elsewhere gets scrutinised, every twist in rival matches carries weight, and it becomes easy for clubs in trouble to glance nervously over their shoulder and hope somebody does them a favour. Bloomfield’s message, however, was that there is little point in living like that.
The Oxford boss admitted supporters were emotional after the latest defeat, and he did not try to pretend otherwise. What he did insist on was the need to reset quickly, because football does not stop and self-pity will not rescue anybody.
“You can’t expect any favours from anyone else,” he said.
“Our future is up to us and we have to make it happen. We have to go and create our own destiny.”
There was also a suggestion team selection could yet shift as he tries to balance consistency with freshness. That feels important because, as seasons reach the breaking point, tired legs and tired minds can become just as damaging as poor quality. Oxford still have a chance, but only if they respond fast.
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