ROSS Jenkins is looking ahead rather than letting the past overwhelm his Oxford City side as they prepare for arguably the biggest game in the club’s history.

The Hoops have enjoyed runs to the second round of the FA Cup and an FA Vase final at Wembley Stadium in 1995, however this weekend they could propel themselves to the highest division they have ever played at.

Jenkins’ team welcome St Albans City in the Vanarama National League South play-off final on Sunday afternoon, following their 2-0 win against Worthing in the semi-final.

READ AGAIN: Oxford City boss says there is more to come from side after reaching play-off final

Asked about the importance of the clash, former Watford midfielder Jenkins said: “A lot of people have reminded me, but I’m not too worried about what’s been done – it’s what we can do now.

“We’re in a place where we feel good so I think the main thing is that we’re feeling good come Sunday.

“Whatever the result, we’ve done a brilliant job behind the scenes, on and off the pitch, and it’s a progression in the right direction.

Oxford Mail: Click here to sign up to the Oxford United newsletter Click here to sign up to the Oxford United newsletter (Image: Newsquest)

“We laid out in pre-season trying to develop things on and off the pitch, whether that’s style of play, recruitment, or the model.

“We’ve put a lot of things in place and there’s a lot of moving parts this season, and it’s paid off.

“We are making progression and if we keep moving forward, the club eventually will be exactly where it needs to be.”

On how big an achievement promotion to the National League would be for City, Jenkins said: “The size of the club is always what people question, certainly of myself in recent weeks.

“The business is done on the pitch and if you can put a team out that’s competitive, works hard and sticks together, it doesn’t matter about the size of the club or the fanbase.

“We’re in this position, I believe, because we’ve earned it.

“I don’t think it’s by luck or by chance that we’ve gone to these difficult places and got results, and had a really good home form, and consistently been performing.

“The boys are really looking forward to it and it’ll be a great achievement for the local community as well, for us to go up a level.

“Hopefully that will attract more fans and a younger generation to come and watch.

“I think the most important thing is you do the business on the pitch and then whatever happens after that happens.”

The 32-year-old added: “St Albans have been in the National League previously so they’ve got a little bit of history there and a little bit of experience but in terms of us, because it’s such a fresh thing and fresh idea, we’ve got no fear.

“We’ve got no fear to have that weight on our shoulders to get back there, because we’re trying to get in there.”

Reflecting on the season so far, Jenkins said:“The games have flown by and I said to the staff ‘where has the time gone?’.

“It felt like only the other day we were finishing pre-season so we’ve come a long way.

“It’s gone quick but it’s a good thing because of where we are.

“I think the boys need to take big credit for that because I think when you’re winning and getting good results, time does fly because you’re enjoying yourself.”

Help support trusted local news 

Sign up for a digital subscription now: oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe

As a digital subscriber you will get: 

  • Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website 
  • Advert-light access 
  • Reader rewards 
  • Full access to our app

About the author

To sign up to Liam’s latest Oxford United newsletter for free, click here: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/newsletters/

Formerly the politics reporter for the Oxford Mail, Liam now covers all things Oxford United.

Liam attends the U’s home and away, as well as covering other big sports stories across the county.

His Oxford United newsletter is released every Saturday morning at 6am.