By Amanda Lansbury, Vice Chair and EDI Officer
Firstly could you please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about who you are? and how you became a supporter of Oxford Utd?
Hi I’m Grace, Oxford United #hergametoo Ambassador. I’ve been a lifelong fan thanks to my Mum. I’m also on the Supporters Panel as I love helping out people with their issues and doing that for our fans and club is a dream for me. I also have 2 Finnish Lapphund dogs and I am the membership secretary for a dog club. Sport has also been a part of my life and really helped me through some hard times with my health. Thankfully now I am lots better now so I can cheer on the Yellows at some away games now.
As a female supporter, have you noticed an increase in female support since female football has become more popular?
Personally I think Oxford has for a long time had a good amount of female support. The club and players have always been good with the young kids, whether boys or girls at games. Since the Lionesses win I’ve noticed there has been more interest in our Women’s team, who are doing really well and are currently 1 point off the top of the table.
Onto football how do you think your season is going so far?
To be honest we haven’t had the best of starts. We have had a good game here and there but we were hit big with injuries. We are now getting those players back which I believe will help the team. We have held our own against some big teams e.g coming back and winning on penalties against Swansea in the summer and playing really against Crystal Palace and Arsenal. League one is a hard league and we have had a hard time but we still have to get behind the lads and support always!
There seems to be a one sided opinion regarding the future of your manager Karl Robinson. What are your thoughts on this?
There are lots of different views about the future of Karl right now. I just think we need to support our club right now more then ever.
The January transfer window has just closed. Are you happy with Oxford Utd’s transfer business or could they have done more?
There are areas that we still need to strengthen, we still have some squad places unfilled. We have some new loanees, and have to give them a chance as they have only played once so far.
Oxford are currently in 15th place in the league, where do you think Oxford will finish come the end of the season?
I think we will end the season between 8-11th.
How do you think your team will approach the game on Saturday? ie style/formation.
I really hope we go for 3 at the back and have Fleming and Anderson as wingbacks as that is where they work best for us. We may put 2 strikers on to hope for a goal or two!
Which players do you feel will cause MK Dons problems on Saturday?
Fleming, Bate, Goodrham and Joseph are the players who I think will cause some issues for you.
What has been your overall highlight since supporting the club?
Oh too many, Promotion winning in 2016, our 2 finals at Wembley, holding our own against Newcastle, Arsenal and Man City. Also when we have dug deep and come back from losing and worked together as a team.
Finally, could we ask you for a score prediction please?
2-0 to Oxford.
