United News
Motty remains bang on course
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| Chris Willmott, pictured against Wycombe Wanderers in 2006, was delighted to get through 90 minutes for the U's against Bath as he continues his comeback |
Chris Willmott declared himself "very pleased" as he successfully came through his first full 90 minutes of pre-season this week.
The experienced former Wimbledon and Luton centre back, who missed most of last season with a knee injury after having surgery on his cruciate knee ligaments at the start of 2007, worked hard through the summer to be fit on his return to full-time training.
His progress is being carefully monitored, and after playing parts of games a few times, he lasted the full match as the U's won 1-0 against Bath City at Twerton Park on Tuesday night.
The 30-year-old, who joined United from Northampton Town in May 2005, said: "I'm very pleased to come through the full 90 minutes and it felt fine - better than I expected, to be honest.
"I've done a lot to get up to this stage, but you're never sure about it until you test it out in games and go hard into challenges."
United manager Darren Patterson said: "Seeing Motty come through the full 90 minutes the way he did was one of the big plusses of the evening."
| 'You're never sure about it until you test it in games and go hard into challenges' | |
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While all the attention in recent weeks has been on United's many new signings, several of the old guard are also making an impression.
New skipper Adam Murray laid on Yemi Odubade's second-minute goal at Bath.
Odubade's strike was the first goal in pre-season from a player who was at Oxford last season. The previous ones at Oxford City, Brackley, Banbury and Maidenhead came from Jason Constable (2), Lewis Haldane (3), Jamie Guy (3) and Craig Reid.
Willmott and Barry Quinn appear to be challenging for one place alongside last season's runaway player-of-the-year, Luke Foster.
And although Quinn's consistency in the last campaign may give him a slight edge to start with, Willmott's height and considerable experience means he could easily overtake the Irishman once he gets match-sharp.
8:44pm Wednesday 23rd July 2008
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CommentPosted by: Alex on 11:22am Thu 24 Jul 08
My vote is Motty if he will be fit enough. I think Patto knows it will be close hence he hasn't given Quinn the captaincy.
The only concern I have ist that it is a big ask for Motty to come back from not playing for a year then play every match and train every day. They may have to take it slowly with him
My vote is Motty if he will be fit enough. I think Patto knows it will be close hence he hasn't given Quinn the captaincy.
The only concern I have ist that it is a big ask for Motty to come back from not playing for a year then play every match and train every day. They may have to take it slowly with him
Posted by: keith, barking on 11:46am Thu 24 Jul 08
Good to see that Motty has been successful on his comeback, keep up the good work and lets all pray that he has an injury free season and helps Oxford back into our rightful place which is the football league
Good to see that Motty has been successful on his comeback, keep up the good work and lets all pray that he has an injury free season and helps Oxford back into our rightful place which is the football league
Posted by: sam on 8:29pm Thu 24 Jul 08
A very good player when hes fit, will be a bit strange to watch him play again! Hopefully he will stay injury free, especially because we have a small squad. Im hoping there will be a couple more signings to come to bulk our squad a bit because I feel that a few injuries (which inevitably happen) could hamper us, especially when you consider we have a great chance this year.
A very good player when hes fit, will be a bit strange to watch him play again! Hopefully he will stay injury free, especially because we have a small squad. Im hoping there will be a couple more signings to come to bulk our squad a bit because I feel that a few injuries (which inevitably happen) could hamper us, especially when you consider we have a great chance this year.
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