Oxford United manager Karl Robinson has blasted Chris Cadden after he left the Kassam and returned to parent club Colombus Crew, as reported by the Oxford Mail.
Cadden’s move to Oxford caused a huge amount of controversy as he’d been pursued by the U’s, but eventually opted to move to the MLS instead. When he then pitched up on loan with Robinson’s side, his former employers Motherwell were incensed.
He has since made 21 appearances for the League One side, but is now set to return to the States to start his career with Colombus, a move Robinson has blasted.
“At 23 and going to play in MLS, I don’t get it,” said Robinson.
“Bow (Charlton boss Lee Bowyer) got criticised for Joe Aribo going to Glasgow Rangers, but I think this is ten times worse. Chris Cadden is a top Championship right back and will grow with this club. You don’t know where his end game is, he’s still really young.”
He then claimed his attitude was only because he ‘cares’ for his former loan star.
“Maybe I’m being harsh, but it’s only because I care for the boy,” he added.
Cadden began his career with Motherwell and played 139 games for them before his controversial move. He’s also represented Scotland at Under 21 level, as well as boasting three caps for the senior side.
Our View
Karl Robinson’s comments are a little unfair. The MLS is a strong league and offers a great platform for players in the US. It might not be one of the world superpowers in terms of viewing figures and attendances, but for Cadden playing in and visiting the likes of New York, Chicago and Cincinnati will be far more exciting than trips to Doncaster, Lincoln and Rotherham.
It’s a shame for Oxford fans, but the nature of his move to the US means any subsequent switch back to Oxford would bring controversy and anger in their direction. It’s better this one is allowed to go for now and, if Cadden is a target, they might want to revisit it at the end of the season.
