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FOOTBALL: Patto to decide on Howard's way
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| RECALL? Michael Howard is pushing for a return to the Oxford United starting XI against Northwich today |
Darren Patterson admits he faces a major dilemma today in whether to bring back Michael Howard at left back against the Vics.
Howard dropped out of Monday's home game against Stevenage to attend the birth of his second child later that afternoon, and had Patterson's blessing to do so.
And the player who filled in for him, Michael Blackwood, produced a fine performance in United's 2-1 victory.
Patterson must be tempted to name an unchanged team, but Howard has been one of United's most consistent performers in the nine games he has played since arriving on loan from Morecambe.
Differentiating the two by referring to Blackwood as Michael and Howard as Mickey, United's manager said: "Michael was bought as a wide left midfielder and he has not done as well going forward as we would have hoped.
"But he has played at left back quite a bit in the past and when he came in and played there on Monday he was excellent, and positionally very solid.
"Mickey in the two games before that was equally as good though.
"It's a big dilemma to have to choose between them, but it's a situation I'd like to be in more often, to have that kind of competition for all the positions in the team."
Patterson's final decision may depend on who he thinks will best defend against lively right winger Jamie Mullan, who is one of Northwich's most dangerous players.
"Mullan is good going forward, but then again he's not so great at getting back and defensively so that's something we may look to try to exploit," said Patterson.
Six-goal striker Matt Green should be OK to play, but will again be given a "lie detector" test to make sure he's not pretending to be fitter than he really feels!
Skipper Barry Quinn says United will not be taken in by Northwich's lowly position in the table.
"The gaffer has made all of the lads very aware of the fact that Northwich currently have the second best form in the league, behind leaders Aldershot," he said.
"We've played them twice already this season and know it's going to be a hard game.
"Everyone's buzzing and confident after making it three wins in a row for the first time this season, but we can't get carried away and we won't take it for granted.
"It's all about having the right approach and preparation and it's important that we do the right things. Northwich are going well but it's about us and what we do."
Oxford Utd: (from) Turley, Day, Quinn, Foster, Howard, Anaclet, Hand, Murray, Trainer, Richards, Green, Blackwood, Rose, McAllister, Clarke, Odubade, Hutchinson, Pettefer.
Northwich Vic: (from) Connett, Brown, Belle, Welch, Meadowcroft, Byrom, Mullan, Crowell, Byrne, Stamp, Steele, Bowler, Carr, Williams, Burns. Horrocks, Tynan.
7:00am Saturday 29th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Pete Bradley on 9:37am Sat 29 Mar 08
The usual nonsense from Patterson, Nick Merry wake up and git rid.
The last few results are just a "BLIP"
pATTO OUT NOW
The usual nonsense from Patterson, Nick Merry wake up and git rid.
The last few results are just a "BLIP"
pATTO OUT NOW
Posted by: Merekat1, Oxford. on 10:43am Sat 29 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Pete Bradley[/bold] wrote:
The usual nonsense from Patterson, Nick Merry wake up and git rid. The last few results are just a "BLIP" pATTO OUT NOW[/quote] Absolute nonsense. Words fail me!.
Pete Bradley wrote:
The usual nonsense from Patterson, Nick Merry wake up and git rid. The last few results are just a "BLIP" pATTO OUT NOW
Absolute nonsense. Words fail me!.
Posted by: SmilingBo, Summertown on 11:14am Sat 29 Mar 08
It's a pity that narrow minded people are aloud to write and get published with the invention of the internet. You really are an idiot Pete. Have you ever been to a game recently? What you would have realised is that the team is playing much better, we have committed players and now look a threat. The fact that over the last eight games, we have the second best form, shows this as well
It's a pity that narrow minded people are aloud to write and get published with the invention of the internet. You really are an idiot Pete. Have you ever been to a game recently? What you would have realised is that the team is playing much better, we have committed players and now look a threat. The fact that over the last eight games, we have the second best form, shows this as well
Posted by: I was there on the london road, were you? on 11:27am Sat 29 Mar 08
[bold]WELL DONE DARREN PATTERSON[/bold]
showing that he could be the manager to finally take this club forward, on behalf of all oufc fans - [bold]thank you darren[/bold] for all your efforts this season in a very difficult situation, talking on a legacy that was non productive and with a lot of pressure from the fans , slowly moving this club forward. heres to next season, and a win today
To the best footbal club that plays in yellow (in cluding brazil) [bold]COME ON YOU YELLOWS[/bold]
WELL DONE DARREN PATTERSON
showing that he could be the manager to finally take this club forward, on behalf of all oufc fans -
thank you darren for all your efforts this season in a very difficult situation, talking on a legacy that was non productive and with a lot of pressure from the fans , slowly moving this club forward. heres to next season, and a win today
To the best footbal club that plays in yellow (in cluding brazil)
COME ON YOU YELLOWS Posted by: Happy, my sofa on 11:57am Sat 29 Mar 08
A few Pro PATTO chants are in order.
Also I have started a fund for pETE! To get him a season ticket in the away stand.
A few Pro PATTO chants are in order.
Also I have started a fund for pETE! To get him a season ticket in the away stand.
Posted by: rosie &jim, thames pub on 1:12pm Sat 29 Mar 08
on wards and up wards boys !!!get used to playing together ..good side tallent at last at oxford !get some ear plugs paddy patto ! dumb witts maybe blindfold ,keep it up !gypsy curse crap ..got a good team!
on wards and up wards boys !!!get used to playing together ..good side tallent at last at oxford !get some ear plugs paddy patto ! dumb witts maybe blindfold ,keep it up !gypsy curse crap ..got a good team!
Posted by: Pete Bradleys Boyfriend, Brighton on 1:27pm Sat 29 Mar 08
I know Pete, and he's a Swindon supporter, so don't take no notice of him, hes just bitter cos Oxfords better.
I know Pete, and he's a Swindon supporter, so don't take no notice of him, hes just bitter cos Oxfords better.
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