Oxford United have made their best start to a season since returning to the Football League in 2010 and Johnny Mullins believes the squad are better-equipped to last the distance than in their previous spell at the sharp end.

A 1-0 victory at home to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday took the U’s into Sky Bet League Two’s top three for the first time since the 2013-14 season.

A return of 23 points from the opening 12 league matches is the club’s best in the division for a dozen years and surpasses the tally from two seasons ago by a point.

Mullins was part of that side, which challenged at the top before falling away spectacularly in the second half of the season.


The centre back thinks the latest squad have a much better chance of sustaining a challenge.

He said: “There’s a completely different feeling about it.

“I think that season (2013-14) we did start well but a few things went against us and there wasn’t enough within the dressing room to manage that.

“There were injuries to key players, which didn’t help.”

Head coach Michael Appleton’s approach of setting a target of eight points from every five games has been well publicised.

So far United are ahead of schedule and Mullins is a big fan.

“I think it’s a hell of a way of doing it,” he said.

“You can see your little targets and you see yourself edging towards it.

“As a group of players it gives you a different focus and outlook.

Oxford Mail:

  • Johnny Mullins (left) will be hoping to avoid the frustration Oxford United suffered in the 2014-14 season

“We know that through the season there will be ups and downs, but I feel the team is in a good place at the minute.

“We just want to keep that feeling going.”

A key problem two years ago was a lack of strength in depth, which became exposed when injuries mounted up and reinforcements did not arrive.

It does not look like being an issue this time, despite United keeping a relatively small squad.

Since the start of the season John Lundstram signed a contract, while earlier this month Jordan Graham came in on a loan which looks set to be extended.

Mullins thinks the drive to improve the quality within the squad bodes well.

He said: “They have been brilliant additions.

“I wouldn’t want Jordan running at me and John has come in and his range of passing is brilliant.

“There are options everywhere and that’s what is bringing the best out of everyone, you know if you have an off-game you might be out and it could take you a while to get back in.”

Meanwhile, only a handful of tickets remain for Oxford United’s trip to Leyton Orient in Sky Bet League Two on Saturday.

The final few seats of the 1,406 allocation are expected to be snapped up today, making it the largest turnout of U’s fans on the road this season.

Oxford United's points after 12 league games

  • 2015/16: 23
  • 2014/15: 10
  • 2013/14: 22
  • 2012/13: 13
  • 2011/12: 22
  • 2010/11: 14