SKIPPER MOUS GETS JIMMY’S VOTE
JOHN Mousinho believes the show must go on at Oxford after he was named club captain following Curtis Nelson’s serious injury.
Nelson ruptured his Achilles tendon against Plymouth, ruling him out for the season, meaning the 31-year-old will take the armband in his stead.
Mousinho joined the club this summer after he was released by Burton Albion. He says he won’t change too many things after becoming captain at the Kassam Stadium.
He said: “It’s not great circumstances to take over and everyone feels for Curtis.
“But nothing really changes. I’d like to think I will behave exactly the same as I have been and try to lead as much as possible. I think that should apply to all the lads.”
Before joining Oxford, Mousinho spent three years at Burton, where he made 121 appearances and led them to back-to-back promotions as captain.
Impressed with his new player, Oxford manager Pep Clotet consulted with Northampton boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who coached Mousinho while managing Burton in 201415, on the defender’s leadership qualities.
Clotet said: “I used a few minutes after the game to talk about it with Jimmy.
“I got an excellent report and I have a lot of confidence in him.
“I think he can deliver, not only leadership but experience, and will help us through the difficult time we are having.”
Mousinho added: “Part of the test of the strength of the squad is how we react. Players coming in from the sidelines, convinced they should be getting games, now have a chance to prove themselves.
“It’s a massive time and it’s literally a case of rallying troops, but I think that would have happened regardless of the results and injuries.”