Defender Ben Futcher has linked up with his ex-assistant manager, and current Oxford manager, Chris Wilder. Futch is at the Kassam Stadium on a loan deal that will see the player get some well deserved first team football.
Ben has been kicking his heels this season and hasn't started a league game. He received a nasty injury during the pre-season game against Southport, which turned out to be so severe that he missed the start of the season.But the excellent form shown by Sodje and Lees at the heart of the Shakers defence has seen Futch struggling to break into the starting eleven. Ben went into Oxford's squad for the Rotherham United game at the Don Valley Stadium on Saturday, and will get some vital games in during his spell at Oxford as well as build up his fitness.Following Futcher's loan move, Alan Knill has moved quickly to bring in excellent defensive cover with Blackburn Rovers reserve centre half Gavin Gunning joining on a months loan. Gavin can play in the centre or on the left side of defence, and he has rapidly progressed through their Academy and Reserves to be on the cusp of the first eleven.Gavin signed his first pro-contract in January 2008, followed by signing a new deal in the summer of 2009 that sees him contracted to Rovers until 2012.Gunning has had two loan spells, first with Tranmere Rovers in August 2009 then Rotherham United in January until the end of the 2009-2010 season. He was such an influence in the Millers side that narrowly missed promotion, so he knows what is needed if Bury are to emulate that. He has represented the Republic of Ireland at all levels up to under 19s. Gavin will remain at Gigg Lane until 11 December. Blackburn have also gave permission for the player to take part in the FA Cup for Bury.The views in this article are that of the writer and may not replicate those of the Professional Footballers' Association.
