Midfielder goes out on loan
OXFORD SWOOP TO GRAB TALENTED TOWN MIDFIELDER AS OUR SQUAD FLY TO AUSTRIA
TOWN midfielder Jack Payne has joined Oxford United on a season-long loan.
The 22-year-old joined Town on a free transfer from Southend United last summer and made 28 appearances for the Terriers in league and cup netting four times.
While the loan is standard for the season and can be extended should Oxford reach the League One play-offs, Town can recall the player in January if they wish.
While Payne is linking up with new boss Pep Clotet’s squad, Town were flying out today to their training camp in Austria.
TOWN defender Martin Cranie is looking forward to the business end of pre-season with the club’s upcoming week-long training camp.
The squad travel to Austria today for an intensive week of preparation ahead of the their inaugural Premier League season, which kick-offs away to Crystal Palace on Saturday, August 12.
While abroad, David Wagner’s side will face VfB Stuttgart in Schwaz on Tuesday, August 1, before playing Serie A side Torino in the Stadion Jenbach on Friday, August 4.
And the right-back believes the week is the perfect preparation in what has already been a productive summer.
“We’re already at a very high level,” said 30-year-old Cranie.
“Of course there are a few things missing, but generally we’ve got the next few weeks to work on them.
“Everyone’s fitness levels are really good and the next few games will really be about nailing things down tactically.
“It’s down to the end of pre-season, so we will be looking to be at the top-end of performance in Austria.”
The defender also believes the trip will be beneficial in terms of team spirit, after seeing a total of nine new players join the club this summer.
“We’ve still got the same core group of lads here from last season and we all make it easy for people to come into the dressing room,” added Cranie.
“We’ve all bonded really well so far, but the different environment and being with each other 24/7 will make us even closer.”
With last season’s regular right-
back Tommy Smith so far absent from pre-season as he recovers from the foot injury sustained during the Championship play-off final, the position has been filled by a number of different players.
Sean Scannell, Harry Bunn and trialist Dimitri Cavare have all deputised as well as Cranie, who was largely the preferred understudy last campaign.
However, the former England Under 21 international believes he and the rest of the squad are flexible enough to play in any position, with the main aim for every member of David Wagner’s squad to feature for the club in the Premier League.
“First and foremost I just want to be playing, wherever I am given the opportunity,” explained Cranie.
“There might be a few lads you are not used to seeing in certain positions, but everyone is tactically aware.
“We’ve all been told the jobs and roles of different positions since last season, so I don’t think anyone has a problem.”
Town midfielder Jack Payne has joined Oxford United on a seasonlong loan.
The 22-year-old joined Town on a free transfer from Southend United last summer and made 28 appearances for the Terriers in league and cup - netting four times.
Payne’s first goal came at St James’ Park last August, with the right-footed finish sealing an impressive 2-1 win over the eventual Championship victors - the Terriers’ first away win against the Magpies since the 1953/54 season.
He also bagged in the home league win against Preston and scored twice in the FA Cup victory against Port Vale, also at the John Smith’s Stadium.
He will now spend the 2017/18 season at the Kassam Stadium with the U’s, who were promoted from League Two in the 2015/16 campaign.
Town have the option of recalling Payne in January, while his loan can be extended should Oxford qualify for the League One play-offs.
Last season Oxford finished eighth - four points outside of the play-off places.
Gareth Bale’s agent has dismissed the “ridiculous” speculation suggesting he could leave Real Madrid this summer.
The 28-year-old is preparing for his fifth season at the Bernabeu, having won the Champions League three times during that spell, but reports have once again linked the Welshman with a move.