Thompson: Oxford are going places

Oxford hooker Alex Thompson believes the club is in a strong position, as they secure Andy Winfield, Ed Hayles and Luke Evans for 2014.

The Iffley Road club recently announced the sigings of ex-Cambridge pair Winfield (22) and Hayles (31), as well as a further year for half-back Evans.

The trio are to be part of a team looking to progress, according to Thompson.

“Pre-season was positive for us and everyone is in good physical shape,” he said.

“Last year was our first full season, so this time to have a full programme, with a top conditioner, really helped.”

24-year-old Thompson is a former Super League player with Warrington, but he is more than impressed by the way Oxford is managed.

“We have a good ground and good facilites, and people like [Director] Tony Colquitt really know what they’re doing.

“The professionalism of the club breeds down to the pitch, and we are getting a lot of local interest.

“There is a lot of off-pitch help and involvement, which creates a real buzz in the area.”

Thompson and his teammates do not wish to dispappoint, and are eyeing an improvement on last year’s sixth-place finish.

“We have set our goals and we want to keep improving.

“The likes of York and Hunslet will be up there, but we are always learning and our aims are high.”