Five can go in Oxford United clear-out

9:00am Wednesday 9th May 2012 in Oxford Utd

Oli Johnson is leaving United Oli Johnson is leaving United

Chris Wilder’s preparations for the new season have begun by releasing five players to make room for new signings this summer.

Paul McLaren, Mark Wilson, Oli Johnson, Anthony Tonkin and Aaron Woodley, whose contracts with the U’s expire this summer, were all told they were surplus to requirements.

But there was better news for Asa Hall, Adam Chapman and Wayne Brown, who will be formally offered new deals.

Wilder held individual meetings with the entire squad and admitted one of the players let go was slightly unfortunate to miss out.

He said: “They are never easy decisions, whether they’re young players just starting out in their careers like Aaron Woodley or more experienced guys like Paul McLaren, who’s done well for me generally in the time he has been here.

“The one which was touch-and-go was Oli Johnson.

“He had a few problems with injury but came on and did well in some games and was up and down in others.

“We felt we needed to give ourselves flexibility in that department and we want to keep our options open in the summer.”

Johnson told the Oxford Mail last week he wanted to stay, but the former Norwich winger is now a free agent after failing to do enough since signing in January.

The other four players were all widely expected to be released.

McLaren, Wilson and Ton-kin’s exits were all down to becoming marginalised by the form of other players in their positions.

Wilder said: “I think the emergence of Asa and Adam, who have done pretty well going into the back end of the season, made the decision for Mark Wilson.

“Paul McLaren has had limited opportunities as well with those two doing well.

“Liam Davis and Tony Capaldi coming through made the decision on Anthony Tonkin, which he understood and accepts.”

The final player to exit was youth team graduate Woodley, who made three senior appearances for the U’s in 2009/10 and has been loaned to Oxford City.

Wilder said: “Aaron’s at the stage when he’s got to push ahead of players like Alfie Potter and Tommy Craddock.

“We felt he hasn’t, which is disappointing for him.”

Scott Rendell, Dean Morgan and Cristian Montano were also released following the completion of their loan spells, returning to their parent clubs.

Comments (33)

11:47am Wed 9 May 12

hilliatman says...

Are we still a club with average players or do we have intent on going up if so I believe that Emile Heskey is available in the summer think he can do a job for us along with james constable Emile has that presents about him and will be a great buy for the club
Are we still a club with average players or do we have intent on going up if so I believe that Emile Heskey is available in the summer think he can do a job for us along with james constable Emile has that presents about him and will be a great buy for the club hilliatman

11:51am Wed 9 May 12

hilliatman says...

And yes he can score goals aswell so come on Chris and kelvin lets have some intent in going forward we done want to be stuck in this league 2 for ages and get Ian to dig into his pocket to buy real Players
And yes he can score goals aswell so come on Chris and kelvin lets have some intent in going forward we done want to be stuck in this league 2 for ages and get Ian to dig into his pocket to buy real Players hilliatman

11:57am Wed 9 May 12

Manor Born says...

Emile Heskey? Are you mad? His wages alone would completely shatter the wage structure at the club and he can probably still do a job at Championship level.

Let's get some perspective here, we have a reasonablely sized budget for a club at this level, nowhere near the likes of swindon or crawley, but allegedly the seventh largest for league 2. We're not in any financial difficulty and the owner is happy with his investment. He is also right in that the club will not spend more than it can afford.

We've been down the path of over-exceeding ourselves too often in the past and we should never even contemplate going down that path again - that is the way to rack and ruin and is pure insanity. Just ask fans of Rangers, Plymouth & Portsmouth.
Emile Heskey? Are you mad? His wages alone would completely shatter the wage structure at the club and he can probably still do a job at Championship level. Let's get some perspective here, we have a reasonablely sized budget for a club at this level, nowhere near the likes of swindon or crawley, but allegedly the seventh largest for league 2. We're not in any financial difficulty and the owner is happy with his investment. He is also right in that the club will not spend more than it can afford. We've been down the path of over-exceeding ourselves too often in the past and we should never even contemplate going down that path again - that is the way to rack and ruin and is pure insanity. Just ask fans of Rangers, Plymouth & Portsmouth. Manor Born

1:09pm Wed 9 May 12

Inkpot says...

It's being widely reported that Heskey will probably go to Leicester. Signing players like him can completely upset any harmony in the dressing room!!
It's being widely reported that Heskey will probably go to Leicester. Signing players like him can completely upset any harmony in the dressing room!! Inkpot

1:57pm Wed 9 May 12

gnash21 says...

Well Heskey is not a man I rate. Too old and a has been for me. Shame Oli has gone. Would rather Oli then Asa Hall. I think the money we spend on Asa Hall we could have used to buy a better midfielder. Maybe Wilder should ask Crawley if we can have Danny Bulman back as we need someone to come on a sure things up in the middle and is Whingy gets injured of suspended then we have no one that will put there boot in and win the ball. Roll on next season. Can't wait already. Some good young talent could help aswell. Maybe for non league talent that will work hard and show passion to build and grow into a league player! Look at Chris Smalling!
Well Heskey is not a man I rate. Too old and a has been for me. Shame Oli has gone. Would rather Oli then Asa Hall. I think the money we spend on Asa Hall we could have used to buy a better midfielder. Maybe Wilder should ask Crawley if we can have Danny Bulman back as we need someone to come on a sure things up in the middle and is Whingy gets injured of suspended then we have no one that will put there boot in and win the ball. Roll on next season. Can't wait already. Some good young talent could help aswell. Maybe for non league talent that will work hard and show passion to build and grow into a league player! Look at Chris Smalling! gnash21

2:02pm Wed 9 May 12

northampton yellow says...

wonder what sort of players next threw the door "lets face it cannot be no worse "CAN THEY" but surprized they not shown "jc"the exit .
wonder what sort of players next threw the door "lets face it cannot be no worse "CAN THEY" but surprized they not shown "jc"the exit . northampton yellow

2:53pm Wed 9 May 12

DuberryandBeanofan says...

Can I put a question to all OUFC fans? Yes we did miss out on the play-offs because I in my opinion aren't good enough at the moment, remember decisions that went against us? We were unlucky not to have a few penalties. We only had 3 or 4 penalties in the whole season, if penalties can be scored then who knows what would have happened. I can't believe people want Wilder out...how many seasons has he actually been a league manager with Oxford? 2, for goodness sake people, success takes time it doesn't come automatically. If fitness is the problem then the coaching staff can do something about it. Stop all this Wilder out talk it's really starting to depress me and yes I am very disappointed about not getting into the play-offs but who will actually be up in league 1? Crewe? Cheltenham? Torquay? Torquay have been there or there abouts for 2 seasons now. Ling has done a very good job. Get behind Wilder there isn't always great managers out there.
Can I put a question to all OUFC fans? Yes we did miss out on the play-offs because I in my opinion aren't good enough at the moment, remember decisions that went against us? We were unlucky not to have a few penalties. We only had 3 or 4 penalties in the whole season, if penalties can be scored then who knows what would have happened. I can't believe people want Wilder out...how many seasons has he actually been a league manager with Oxford? 2, for goodness sake people, success takes time it doesn't come automatically. If fitness is the problem then the coaching staff can do something about it. Stop all this Wilder out talk it's really starting to depress me and yes I am very disappointed about not getting into the play-offs but who will actually be up in league 1? Crewe? Cheltenham? Torquay? Torquay have been there or there abouts for 2 seasons now. Ling has done a very good job. Get behind Wilder there isn't always great managers out there. DuberryandBeanofan

2:56pm Wed 9 May 12

Taffy Duck says...

hilliatman wrote:
Are we still a club with average players or do we have intent on going up if so I believe that Emile Heskey is available in the summer think he can do a job for us along with james constable Emile has that presents about him and will be a great buy for the club
Heskey......have you seen his goals return over the past decade?
[quote][p][bold]hilliatman[/bold] wrote: Are we still a club with average players or do we have intent on going up if so I believe that Emile Heskey is available in the summer think he can do a job for us along with james constable Emile has that presents about him and will be a great buy for the club[/p][/quote]Heskey......have you seen his goals return over the past decade? Taffy Duck

3:36pm Wed 9 May 12

gnash21 says...

DuberryandBeanofan - I have been saying for ages we need new coaches at the club. Yes we like using old club players but I think we need some fresh blood at the club. A goalkeeping coach that can do more then stand and point and mickey is a great man but need someone young to take over! We need people who can drive the club forward with youth and determination!
DuberryandBeanofan - I have been saying for ages we need new coaches at the club. Yes we like using old club players but I think we need some fresh blood at the club. A goalkeeping coach that can do more then stand and point and mickey is a great man but need someone young to take over! We need people who can drive the club forward with youth and determination! gnash21

4:14pm Wed 9 May 12

DuberryandBeanofan says...

gnash21 wrote:
DuberryandBeanofan - I have been saying for ages we need new coaches at the club. Yes we like using old club players but I think we need some fresh blood at the club. A goalkeeping coach that can do more then stand and point and mickey is a great man but need someone young to take over! We need people who can drive the club forward with youth and determination!
I take your point, but there is a lot of things that IL, KT and CW need to talk through...will KT offer CW a new contract in the following weeks or will he have a plan in place? Patto got sacked when we were 18th in the conference. I haven't ever seen Oxford higher then League 2 nor lower then the conference. Hodgy can't go on forever maybe that is why Brown has been offered a new contract so this time next season Brown will take over from Hodgy.
[quote][p][bold]gnash21[/bold] wrote: DuberryandBeanofan - I have been saying for ages we need new coaches at the club. Yes we like using old club players but I think we need some fresh blood at the club. A goalkeeping coach that can do more then stand and point and mickey is a great man but need someone young to take over! We need people who can drive the club forward with youth and determination![/p][/quote]I take your point, but there is a lot of things that IL, KT and CW need to talk through...will KT offer CW a new contract in the following weeks or will he have a plan in place? Patto got sacked when we were 18th in the conference. I haven't ever seen Oxford higher then League 2 nor lower then the conference. Hodgy can't go on forever maybe that is why Brown has been offered a new contract so this time next season Brown will take over from Hodgy. DuberryandBeanofan

4:33pm Wed 9 May 12

badger86 says...

Sign Jack Midson!
Sign Jack Midson! badger86

4:48pm Wed 9 May 12

YellowRose says...

Jack who?
Jack who? YellowRose

4:48pm Wed 9 May 12

CamView says...

We really need a strong midfield player that can play a decent weighted ball into our front men Leven is nearly what is required but has somehow not been consistant. A winger who can cross a ball would be great - what a pity Holmes could not stay with us. What has defined this season has been lots of effort and possession but that final ball has been woeful. If you think about it it has not been a season of hundreds of shots going in where the keeper has desperately kept us out or we have hit the bar/post on numerous occassions. In fact on some games occassions its been Hall alone that has got a decent shot on target. We have to do better in the final third and find a couple of players to get the likes of Craddock, Pittman and Constable the type of ball that they need. Play to their strengths and not stick to a system that ought to work but does not. What has happend to the idea of striking partnership where the strikers set each other up. There has been little of that going on this season.
We really need a strong midfield player that can play a decent weighted ball into our front men Leven is nearly what is required but has somehow not been consistant. A winger who can cross a ball would be great - what a pity Holmes could not stay with us. What has defined this season has been lots of effort and possession but that final ball has been woeful. If you think about it it has not been a season of hundreds of shots going in where the keeper has desperately kept us out or we have hit the bar/post on numerous occassions. In fact on some games occassions its been Hall alone that has got a decent shot on target. We have to do better in the final third and find a couple of players to get the likes of Craddock, Pittman and Constable the type of ball that they need. Play to their strengths and not stick to a system that ought to work but does not. What has happend to the idea of striking partnership where the strikers set each other up. There has been little of that going on this season. CamView

5:53pm Wed 9 May 12

BigAlBiker says...

Go and get Matt Green back, but would CW eat humble pie?
Go and get Matt Green back, but would CW eat humble pie? BigAlBiker

6:08pm Wed 9 May 12

New Manor rename says...

To repeat from the last post. Get Lionel Ainsworth. Just released by Shrewsbury. Excellent attacking player. We can't afford players like Heskey who are over rated and over paid.
To repeat from the last post. Get Lionel Ainsworth. Just released by Shrewsbury. Excellent attacking player. We can't afford players like Heskey who are over rated and over paid. New Manor rename

6:16pm Wed 9 May 12

New Manor rename says...

What about Danny Hollands from Charlton? Regular to start last season but fell out of favour a bit. Excellent midfielder.
What about Danny Hollands from Charlton? Regular to start last season but fell out of favour a bit. Excellent midfielder. New Manor rename

6:18pm Wed 9 May 12

New Manor rename says...

Or we can just loan out about 10 people from various clubs all of which are utterly useless!
Or we can just loan out about 10 people from various clubs all of which are utterly useless! New Manor rename

7:11pm Wed 9 May 12

the wizard says...

What you do is search for guys that are impressive at Conference or L2 level who come on a free. Young players with a hunger and point to prove, and cost you just the signing on fee.
You then get the whole squad super fit by training hard with no days off for around 8 weeks, and build a team spirit and a fitness, not only of the mind but of the body. You then save your transfer kitty money for signings in the January window, or getting quality loans in, and then you get promoted as Champions. If STFC can do it, then you can as well, it just takes a manager with balls and determination, and a Chairman that will back him.
What you do is search for guys that are impressive at Conference or L2 level who come on a free. Young players with a hunger and point to prove, and cost you just the signing on fee. You then get the whole squad super fit by training hard with no days off for around 8 weeks, and build a team spirit and a fitness, not only of the mind but of the body. You then save your transfer kitty money for signings in the January window, or getting quality loans in, and then you get promoted as Champions. If STFC can do it, then you can as well, it just takes a manager with balls and determination, and a Chairman that will back him. the wizard

7:24pm Wed 9 May 12

New Manor rename says...

BigAlBiker wrote:
Go and get Matt Green back, but would CW eat humble pie?
In fairness to CW. Matt Green was useless. Sure, he was yet another played out of position, but useless none the less. Mansfield can keep him.
[quote][p][bold]BigAlBiker[/bold] wrote: Go and get Matt Green back, but would CW eat humble pie?[/p][/quote]In fairness to CW. Matt Green was useless. Sure, he was yet another played out of position, but useless none the less. Mansfield can keep him. New Manor rename

11:20pm Wed 9 May 12

mandate says...

the wizard wrote:
What you do is search for guys that are impressive at Conference or L2 level who come on a free. Young players with a hunger and point to prove, and cost you just the signing on fee.
You then get the whole squad super fit by training hard with no days off for around 8 weeks, and build a team spirit and a fitness, not only of the mind but of the body. You then save your transfer kitty money for signings in the January window, or getting quality loans in, and then you get promoted as Champions. If STFC can do it, then you can as well, it just takes a manager with balls and determination, and a Chairman that will back him.
This won't happen because the chairman and manager are looking forward to their holiday together in the States. They call it a tour, and a bonding excercise for the players. Most fans see it as a waste of time and money.

It would be better to spend this time on getting in new players and training them to be good enough to wear Oxford shirts.

The players don't need a bonding excercise, they need real excercise to get them fit for next season.

As for the cost of the tour, use this money for better things instead. After the total flop at the end of this season, the players, management and chairman don't deserve a free trip to the States.
[quote][p][bold]the wizard[/bold] wrote: What you do is search for guys that are impressive at Conference or L2 level who come on a free. Young players with a hunger and point to prove, and cost you just the signing on fee. You then get the whole squad super fit by training hard with no days off for around 8 weeks, and build a team spirit and a fitness, not only of the mind but of the body. You then save your transfer kitty money for signings in the January window, or getting quality loans in, and then you get promoted as Champions. If STFC can do it, then you can as well, it just takes a manager with balls and determination, and a Chairman that will back him.[/p][/quote]This won't happen because the chairman and manager are looking forward to their holiday together in the States. They call it a tour, and a bonding excercise for the players. Most fans see it as a waste of time and money. It would be better to spend this time on getting in new players and training them to be good enough to wear Oxford shirts. The players don't need a bonding excercise, they need real excercise to get them fit for next season. As for the cost of the tour, use this money for better things instead. After the total flop at the end of this season, the players, management and chairman don't deserve a free trip to the States. mandate

6:48am Thu 10 May 12

adlibber says...

Wilder must think he's blessed the way he's escaped even the slightest wrath from the Board. A uninspiring season littered with dismal performances from below average players trying to follow ill thought tactics from a hapless manager undeservedly supported by brilliant fans. We'll get more of the same next year probably with less fans attending.
Wilder must think he's blessed the way he's escaped even the slightest wrath from the Board. A uninspiring season littered with dismal performances from below average players trying to follow ill thought tactics from a hapless manager undeservedly supported by brilliant fans. We'll get more of the same next year probably with less fans attending. adlibber

9:04am Thu 10 May 12

New Manor rename says...

adlibber wrote:
Wilder must think he's blessed the way he's escaped even the slightest wrath from the Board. A uninspiring season littered with dismal performances from below average players trying to follow ill thought tactics from a hapless manager undeservedly supported by brilliant fans. We'll get more of the same next year probably with less fans attending.
Spot on
[quote][p][bold]adlibber[/bold] wrote: Wilder must think he's blessed the way he's escaped even the slightest wrath from the Board. A uninspiring season littered with dismal performances from below average players trying to follow ill thought tactics from a hapless manager undeservedly supported by brilliant fans. We'll get more of the same next year probably with less fans attending.[/p][/quote]Spot on New Manor rename

9:39am Thu 10 May 12

AylesburyOx says...

New Manor rename wrote:
adlibber wrote: Wilder must think he's blessed the way he's escaped even the slightest wrath from the Board. A uninspiring season littered with dismal performances from below average players trying to follow ill thought tactics from a hapless manager undeservedly supported by brilliant fans. We'll get more of the same next year probably with less fans attending.
Spot on
Can't say I disagree with this either.
I don't want Wilder out but at the same time I want him to feel the pressure by the Chairman and the board matching the fans expectations. This season was a failure and there's not other word for it. The sooner he (Wilder) and Kelvin Thomas realise it the sooner we'll be in a position to achieve next season.

I don't think a trip to the States will help. I don't think signing other teams cast-offs will help.

We need a new coaching staff; some determined young players who want to play for Oxford and a Manager who is prepared to learn from mistakes and take criticism on board. Not one who trusts his relationship with the Chairman is better than the Chairmans relationship with the fans.
[quote][p][bold]New Manor rename[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]adlibber[/bold] wrote: Wilder must think he's blessed the way he's escaped even the slightest wrath from the Board. A uninspiring season littered with dismal performances from below average players trying to follow ill thought tactics from a hapless manager undeservedly supported by brilliant fans. We'll get more of the same next year probably with less fans attending.[/p][/quote]Spot on[/p][/quote]Can't say I disagree with this either. I don't want Wilder out but at the same time I want him to feel the pressure by the Chairman and the board matching the fans expectations. This season was a failure and there's not other word for it. The sooner he (Wilder) and Kelvin Thomas realise it the sooner we'll be in a position to achieve next season. I don't think a trip to the States will help. I don't think signing other teams cast-offs will help. We need a new coaching staff; some determined young players who want to play for Oxford and a Manager who is prepared to learn from mistakes and take criticism on board. Not one who trusts his relationship with the Chairman is better than the Chairmans relationship with the fans. AylesburyOx

10:46am Thu 10 May 12

New Manor rename says...

Just about every player is another team's cast off! We don't want to put out a youth team.
Just about every player is another team's cast off! We don't want to put out a youth team. New Manor rename

11:56am Thu 10 May 12

AylesburyOx says...

New Manor rename wrote:
Just about every player is another team's cast off! We don't want to put out a youth team.
Not those that other teams don't want to get rid of. We should be looking at what we need and focus on signing those players. Not just who's available.
[quote][p][bold]New Manor rename[/bold] wrote: Just about every player is another team's cast off! We don't want to put out a youth team.[/p][/quote]Not those that other teams don't want to get rid of. We should be looking at what we need and focus on signing those players. Not just who's available. AylesburyOx

12:07pm Thu 10 May 12

Inkpot says...

Quite agree about the US trip.......just a holiday for CW & KT with a bit of fun football thrown in.
If we sign any players after they fly off, how will they be integrated into the squad???
Quite agree about the US trip.......just a holiday for CW & KT with a bit of fun football thrown in. If we sign any players after they fly off, how will they be integrated into the squad??? Inkpot

4:22pm Thu 10 May 12

yellowhoods says...

Swindon in for, Sam and painter from Leeds, bostock from spurs, Kevin Philips, lee bowyer, Marlon pack, and a young lad from crewe. Top two for swindon next year.
Swindon in for, Sam and painter from Leeds, bostock from spurs, Kevin Philips, lee bowyer, Marlon pack, and a young lad from crewe. Top two for swindon next year. yellowhoods

6:35pm Thu 10 May 12

learned says...

As that useless Smalley was on loan to Bradford please God we are not going to get him back !
What is happening to Constable ......
As that useless Smalley was on loan to Bradford please God we are not going to get him back ! What is happening to Constable ...... learned

6:55pm Thu 10 May 12

disco80 says...

learned wrote:
As that useless Smalley was on loan to Bradford please God we are not going to get him back !
What is happening to Constable ......
What about constable?? he has got a year left on contract, thats it.
[quote][p][bold]learned[/bold] wrote: As that useless Smalley was on loan to Bradford please God we are not going to get him back ! What is happening to Constable ......[/p][/quote]What about constable?? he has got a year left on contract, thats it. disco80

7:00pm Thu 10 May 12

disco80 says...

disco80 wrote:
learned wrote:
As that useless Smalley was on loan to Bradford please God we are not going to get him back !
What is happening to Constable ......
What about constable?? he has got a year left on contract, thats it.
Sorry i mean two years!! And after last year i doubt any bigger club will come in for him? But i have heard that **** Wilder fell out with him and said he wont play again for this team
[quote][p][bold]disco80[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]learned[/bold] wrote: As that useless Smalley was on loan to Bradford please God we are not going to get him back ! What is happening to Constable ......[/p][/quote]What about constable?? he has got a year left on contract, thats it.[/p][/quote]Sorry i mean two years!! And after last year i doubt any bigger club will come in for him? But i have heard that **** Wilder fell out with him and said he wont play again for this team disco80

11:27am Fri 11 May 12

Major Oxford says...

why is Wilder not going too

Bring back kassam
why is Wilder not going too Bring back kassam Major Oxford

12:09pm Fri 11 May 12

Major Oxford says...

just seen Jim Smith getting P***d in the Priory
just seen Jim Smith getting P***d in the Priory Major Oxford

6:16pm Sat 12 May 12

DoctorBob says...

With such in depth knowledge of the game I'm surprised none of you got the managers job when it was advertised.
With such in depth knowledge of the game I'm surprised none of you got the managers job when it was advertised. DoctorBob

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