BAD NEWS— Oxford United Man Set for Temporary Exit

Centre-back James Golding is poised to depart Championship strugglers and return to on loan until the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

The 21-year-old began the campaign on loan in League Two with , but his spell was cut short by an injury sustained in November, bringing his time at the club to an early end.

Southend are once again pushing for a National League play-off spot after finishing in the top seven last season. However, a combination of injuries and a dip in form has recently dented their momentum, seeing them slip out of the play-off positions.

Oxford defender closing in on National League return

Golding already has strong experience at fifth-tier level, having spent last season on loan with both Southend and , where he impressed during both spells.

With the defender unable to recover in time to secure another EFL loan, the opportunity for a National League return emerged. According to journalist , Golding has agreed a deal to rejoin ’s side for the remainder of the season.

Southend’s interest in defensive reinforcements intensified after learning that fellow centre-back Nathan Ralph will be sidelined long-term and requires surgery following an injury picked up against .

The move is set to be a straight loan until the end of the campaign. Golding remains under contract with Oxford after signing a long-term deal with the Championship club last summer.

Can Golding spark another play-off push?

After catching the eye at Maidenhead during the first half of last season, Golding joined Southend in December 2024 and quickly made an impact. He featured 14 times, scoring three goals as the Shrimpers secured a play-off place.

During that run, he helped Southend record four clean sheets, including shutouts in his first two appearances, which proved vital in sustaining the club’s unbeaten league run at the time.

This season, Southend have again worked their way into play-off contention, but injuries and fixture postponements have stalled progress.

They remain just two points off the top seven and hold three games in hand on the side above them. Despite an emphatic weekend win over relegation-threatened , recent form has been inconsistent.

Golding has made 15 appearances in all competitions this season but has not featured since November and has averaged just 48 minutes per outing.

With Southend facing a demanding schedule of five matches in the next 19 days, his match sharpness could be a concern—yet his familiarity with the club may prove crucial in their renewed play-off chase.