“This season he has turned things around drastically and is doing fantastic things for the club.”

The last time The Imps played tomorrow’s opponents Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium was on Saturday 30th April 2011. It finished 2-1 to the hosts in front of a crowd of 7,485. Cian Hughton put The Imps 1-0 ahead in the 5th minute when he headed in Gavin McCallum’s left-wing cross. Asa Hall made it 1-1 in the 61st minute when he volleyed in a corner to equalise for the hosts. Tom Craddock fired in from 14 yards to win it for The U’s in the 75th minute and with 10 minutes left on the clock, Danny Hone was sent off for a second bookable offence following a foul on James Constable.

Anyway, the less I say about that match and that season, the better, and I’m not even going to look at the last time we played them, so we’ll go onto the Q&A. Thank you to Oxford United supporter Dale from Vital Oxford United for answering our questions!

How long have you supported Oxford United?

When I was around 13, 2003 – In Division 3.

Where did you finish last season?

12th after a strong end to the season after a hugely disappointing campaign.

What do you think of your Manager?

Like most fans, I wasn’t too overwhelmed initially, and it took him a long time to get going. This season he has turned things around drastically and is doing fantastic things for the club.

Who Are The League One Managers? No.14: Karl Robinson (Oxford United)

What are your hopes and expectations for the 2019/20 season?

At the start of the season, I would have been happy with a top-half finish, but given the start we’ve made I would now be disappointed if we failed to secure a playoff spot.

One(s) to watch?

James Henry (top scorer with 11 goals and top scorer for last two seasons), Tariqe Fosu, Cameron Brannagan and Rob Dickie.

Which teams you think will finish in the top six?

Ipswich Town, Peterborough United, Oxford United, Coventry City, Wycombe Wanderers and Blackpool.

Which teams do you think will finish in the bottom three?

Southend United, Milton Keynes Dons and Bolton Wanderers.

What are your thoughts on Lincoln City?

Exciting team with a mix of youth and experience, similar to us.

What do you think the score will be?

2-0 Oxford.

Random fact about your Club?

Oxford United were the first Football League club to achieve back to back promotions (1983/84 & 1984/85).

If you could steal one Lincoln City player for your own team, who would it be and why?

We had Jack Payne on loan a couple of seasons ago and he was a class act. But, I think Tyler Walker would be a great signing for the U’s.

What are your proudest and most embarrassing moments as an Oxford United Supporter?

Proudest:

Promotion from the Conference (2010)
Promotion from League Two (2016)
Beating Swansea City in FA Cup third round (2016)
Beating Newcastle United in FA Cup fourth round (2017)
Going 8 games unbeaten and winning seven against rivals Swindon Town (run stretching back to 2001.)

Embarrassing:

Losing 3-2 against Leyton Orient in the final game of the 2005/06 season. We were relegated to the Conference as a result while they gained promotion to League One.

Who would you say is your most underrated player?

Alex Rodriguez Gorrin – like most holding midfielders, a lot of his work goes unnoticed by he puts a tremendous effort in each game. Signed from Motherwell in the summer.

Do you have a Supporters Trust and what role do they play at the Club?

OxVox – A voice on matters at the club and help to improve communications.

Which was your favourite match involving Oxford United?

Could easily be any of the seven wins against Swindon, but for me, it was the FA Cup fifth-round tie at Middlesbrough. We were 2-0 down but scored twice in two minutes to bring the game level. Conceded a last-minute goal but nevertheless, it was a fantastic day and performance.

Which was your least favourite match involving Oxford United?

Leyton Orient at home in 2006 – relegated to the Conference.

What’s the best thing about Oxford?

It is a beautiful city. Loads to see and lots to do.