Des Buckingham takes charge of Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium for the first time as they welcome league leaders Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday evening.
It’s a game that United’s new Head Coach can’t wait for and he is hoping that a big crowd can inspire his team to bounce straight back after defeat at Cheltenham on Saturday.
“It is something I am really looking forward to, being on the bench as Head Coach. The last time I was on the bench Dave Kitson scored a last-minute winner in front of a big crowd back in 2013 and that was a good note on which to leave. Hopefully we get a win and the crowd go home happy again on Tuesday.
“We now go into a run of playing Saturday/Tuesday for a while, with FA Cup games and Trophy matches in the mix. If you ask the players, they would probably prefer that but it will mean we get into a rhythm. The most important thing is to get back to that same rhythm we had before the international break, and that we react positively after Saturday’s result.”
United welcome skipper Elliott Moore back into the squad after suspension but will be without Ruben Rodrigues for one game after his red card on Saturday whlie defender Greg Leigh faces a spell on the sidelines.
“Greg picked up a knock on international duty so we will assess that but we know he will be out for a few weeks,” Des confirmed. “We missed Elliott Moore on Saturday, even though those who came into the side did well. But to have Elliott back will strengthen us. Ruben misses out with suspension and we have spoken about that today; injuries will play their part but suspensions will hurt you not just in the game they happen in but also in the next game or games. But we have good players ready to show what they can do and determined to stay in the team if they get a chance.
“Bolton are a good team and got a big score at the weekend. They have been playing well, the same as we have. We are aware of what threat they bring but we must look at it from our angle: we are at home, we are a good team who want to do well in this league, and we are a side who will go out there to try and cause them problems
“This team has shown a few times already this season that when they lose one game they go on a good run. It’s the reaction that is most important. Looking at training today the players are definitely looking forward to this one, as am I.”
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