We are giving Oxford United fans the chance to share their views on the club every Thursday this season. As the U’s chase more additions, Andy McCormac ponders the perfect signing.
We all know the feeling. We want Oxford United to sign the elusive set of players that earns promotion.
Each and every time the transfer window opens, we agonise over who might come in and what other teams are doing.
United fans are still hoping we bring in more talent in this window, but I had thought other clubs in our league were making really significant signings until studying the Oxford Mail’s Transfer Tracker in detail last week.
TRANSFER TRACKER: All the League One moves
I was surprised at just how many free transfers and bargain buys were being completed.
Then it struck me, that while we are up against some big clubs again this season, nobody in Sky Bet League One signs Jack Grealish.
This begged a further question in my head. What represents the best type of incoming transfer a League One club can hope to make?
There are a number of different options, but which is best?
THE PROVEN PROMOTION-GETTER
Someone who played a big part for one of the teams that got promoted last season. Powerful propositions to chase!
Sheffield Wednesday have signed Michael Ihiekwe and Michael Smith from newly-promoted Rotherham United, but other marquee signings like that are few and far between in League One this summer.
THE LEAGUE ONE BIG NAME
Players in this category are perhaps slightly lesser than those from the above group, but who would not be excited to sign James Norwood, in the way Barnsley have, or Cole Stockton from Morecambe?
THE 'ALREADY DONE IT' MAN
Often more of a gamble. Will he stay injury-free across the latter stages of his career? We have one case in point where we hope so – step forward Sam Baldock.
READ MORE: Karl Robinson issues update on Yanic Wildschut's hamstring injury
THE YOUNGSTER FROM A LOWER LEAGUE, OR FURTHER AFIELD
We are good at this one at United, aren’t we?
Just look at Rob Atkinson from Eastleigh, and a whole host of players recruited from Ireland to good effect in recent times.
THE YOUNGSTER FROM A HIGHER LEVEL
Look no further than Kemar Roofe, who initially joined on loan from West Bromwich Albion, and what he has gone on to achieve since leaving United.
THE LOANEE FROM A LEAGUE ABOVE
The U’s have not made a loan signing in this window and would gain from adding players like this.
How much have we benefitted in the short term from having the likes of Herbie Kane, Ciaron Brown (before he signed permanently), or, if you go back further, George Baldock and Jonjoe Kenny?
No League One club can sign Jack Grealish. Who would you like to see United sign?
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