Ex-Chelsea midfielder on future after Oxford United release
JOSH McEachran hopes to have at least three more years left in his playing career following his release from Oxford United.
The 32-year-old midfielder will leave United as a free agent this summer, having made 49 appearances for his hometown club over a two-year stint.
McEachran joined the U’s in June 2023, and played 34 times as the club won promotion via the Sky Bet League One play-offs during the 2023/24 campaign.
McEachran replaced Ruben Rodrigues for the final 10 minutes at Wembley in the play-off final victory against Bolton Wanderers, and impressed in the most recent season under Des Buckingham.
Once Buckingham was sacked though, McEachran played just once when Gary Rowett was appointed head coach, but the midfielder has no hard feelings and only happy memories to look back on.
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He said: “It’s been massive. Coming into the club, everyone wanted to get promoted, but actually achieving that in the first year was huge for the city.
“I’ve been seeing the pictures of the parade and it’s still giving me goosebumps now. That was massive for me, the club and everyone involved.
“And then staying in the Championship was massive. At the start of the season, I think I was doing well and playing well, and getting good game time.
“Then Gary Rowett came in and I didn’t get as much game time as I wanted, but that’s obviously Gary’s opinion on me and the style of play he wanted to play.
“I really got on with Gary. I thought he was a fantastic guy and a good coach, so I wish him well for the future.”
On continuing his playing career, McEachran said: “I’m 32 now. I’ve still got three to four years left playing. I’ll see what options I’ve got this summer and hopefully I’ll be with someone on day one for pre-season.
“I’m looking forward to it. I still feel fit and healthy, so I’ve definitely got a few more years left.
“The season hasn’t even finished really for the Championship and League One. I’ve got to weigh up my options in the next few weeks and see what’s about, and we’ll go from there.”
