SeasideEssexXile
Vital Football Legend
Wonder if Brannigan could be included in a swap + £ deal?
Blackpool defender Jordan Thorniley is enjoying life at Oxford United as Karl Robinson's side look to gain promotion from League One.
The left-sided central defender was well utilised by Neil Critchley in the back half of last season's promotion campaign and the U's hope he will make it back-to-back promotions from the division.
He has been an ever-present since his arrival at the Kassam Stadium, apart from his spell on the sidelines with covid.
Last campaign Thorniley filled in astutely as part of a back three that allowed the Seasiders to continue their march towards the playoff places and eventual victory at Wembley over Lincoln City following a semi-final win over his new club Oxford.
Oxford Mail reporter James Roberts thinks Thorniley has been a key addition: “A left-sided centre half was definitely needed at the time with Rob Atkinson leaving for Bristol City in the summer, leaving a big hole on that side of the defence so the move was regarded positively at Oxford.
“His versatility meant that when he signed, he fit a key piece of the jigsaw in terms of ‘musts’ to bring in during that window.
“He really did hit the ground running and he needed to because there was issues at the start of the season with defenders being on the sidelines for various reasons.
“It was actually pretty impressive how composed and calm he was, it’s hard enough joining a new club let alone when there is so much change going on around you, and he slotted in well whoever he was playing with.
“I remember speaking to him three weeks into his time at Oxford and said ‘that must have been a challenge to slot straight in, almost what is the secret behind looking so calm’ and he said ‘well to be honest I know what to do and it’s about showing everyone I can be composed and it extends to them’."
And it is not just those following the club for their profession that have been left impressed by his time at the club as his composure in the heart of the defence has left fans purring for more.
“There won’t be any Oxford fans who will say he’s not been a good addition, he’s solid whenever he’s been in and has posed a set piece threat as well," Roberts said.
“Crucially on the ball, the way Karl Robinson likes to ball he’s good on the ball, good coming forward and with diagonal passes.”
Given the impact he has made at his new side, there is hope from the club that there could be a future permanent deal on the cards.
“There’s definitely some hope at the club about a permanent deal," Roberts said.
“Karl Robinson has made some positive noises about it when asked and Oxford are probably helped with the fact Blackpool have a decent set of centre backs at the moment.
“The thing might be whether he wants to move his family down south, obviously all the clubs he’s played for have all been up north, but he’s clearly enjoying it here and he fits in well with the squad and the club."
“He’s been pretty much an ever-present apart from his spell out with covid and he’s almost tutoring younger players alongside him like Luke McNally who has come into the team," Roberts said.
“If Oxford are going to stay in and around the playoff places they need players like Jordan who have been there and done it.
“Him staying fit and staying at the club until the end of the season will be massive especially on that side of the defence where Oxford are a bit light.
Blackpool defender Jordan Thorniley is enjoying life at Oxford United as Karl Robinson's side look to gain promotion from League One.
The left-sided central defender was well utilised by Neil Critchley in the back half of last season's promotion campaign and the U's hope he will make it back-to-back promotions from the division.
He has been an ever-present since his arrival at the Kassam Stadium, apart from his spell on the sidelines with covid.
Last campaign Thorniley filled in astutely as part of a back three that allowed the Seasiders to continue their march towards the playoff places and eventual victory at Wembley over Lincoln City following a semi-final win over his new club Oxford.
Oxford Mail reporter James Roberts thinks Thorniley has been a key addition: “A left-sided centre half was definitely needed at the time with Rob Atkinson leaving for Bristol City in the summer, leaving a big hole on that side of the defence so the move was regarded positively at Oxford.
“His versatility meant that when he signed, he fit a key piece of the jigsaw in terms of ‘musts’ to bring in during that window.
“He really did hit the ground running and he needed to because there was issues at the start of the season with defenders being on the sidelines for various reasons.
“It was actually pretty impressive how composed and calm he was, it’s hard enough joining a new club let alone when there is so much change going on around you, and he slotted in well whoever he was playing with.
“I remember speaking to him three weeks into his time at Oxford and said ‘that must have been a challenge to slot straight in, almost what is the secret behind looking so calm’ and he said ‘well to be honest I know what to do and it’s about showing everyone I can be composed and it extends to them’."
And it is not just those following the club for their profession that have been left impressed by his time at the club as his composure in the heart of the defence has left fans purring for more.
“There won’t be any Oxford fans who will say he’s not been a good addition, he’s solid whenever he’s been in and has posed a set piece threat as well," Roberts said.
“Crucially on the ball, the way Karl Robinson likes to ball he’s good on the ball, good coming forward and with diagonal passes.”
Given the impact he has made at his new side, there is hope from the club that there could be a future permanent deal on the cards.
“There’s definitely some hope at the club about a permanent deal," Roberts said.
“Karl Robinson has made some positive noises about it when asked and Oxford are probably helped with the fact Blackpool have a decent set of centre backs at the moment.
“The thing might be whether he wants to move his family down south, obviously all the clubs he’s played for have all been up north, but he’s clearly enjoying it here and he fits in well with the squad and the club."
“He’s been pretty much an ever-present apart from his spell out with covid and he’s almost tutoring younger players alongside him like Luke McNally who has come into the team," Roberts said.
“If Oxford are going to stay in and around the playoff places they need players like Jordan who have been there and done it.
“Him staying fit and staying at the club until the end of the season will be massive especially on that side of the defence where Oxford are a bit light.
Dale has not had enough time to make a full impact imho, most of us can see his talent. Remember for example, It took Keshi many a while to hit form and James is coming on fine too. Its a matter of time.
