BAD NEWS— Oxford United Man Set for Temporary Exit

Centre-back James Golding is poised to leave his current Championship club and return on loan for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.

The 21-year-old began the campaign out on loan in League Two, but his spell was cut short in November after an injury forced him to return early.

Southend are once again targeting a National League play-off spot after finishing in the top seven last season. However, injuries and a dip in form have seen them fall out of the play-off places in recent weeks.

Golding closing in on National League return

The young defender already has valuable experience at this level, having impressed during previous loan spells with both Southend and Maidenhead last season.

With his injury ruling out a return to the EFL on loan, a move back to the National League became the most viable option. Reports now suggest Golding has agreed to rejoin Southend until the end of the campaign.

Southend intensified their search for defensive cover after learning that fellow centre-back Nathan Ralph will be sidelined long-term and requires surgery following a recent injury.

The move is expected to be a straightforward loan deal, with Golding still under contract at Oxford after signing a long-term agreement with the Championship side last summer.

Can Golding spark another play-off charge?

Golding first made an impression during his loan spell at Maidenhead early last season before joining Southend in December 2024, where he quickly became an important figure. He featured 14 times and scored three goals, helping the team secure a play-off place.

During that run, he also contributed to four clean sheets, including in his first two appearances, as Southend maintained an impressive unbeaten streak.

This season, Southend have again pushed towards the play-off positions, though injuries and fixture disruptions have hindered their consistency.

They currently sit just two points outside the top seven with three games in hand, keeping them firmly in contention. While they picked up a strong win over a struggling side at the weekend, their overall form has been mixed.

Golding has made 15 appearances across all competitions this season but hasn’t featured since November, averaging just under 50 minutes per game.

With a demanding schedule ahead—five matches in the next 19 days—questions remain over his match sharpness. However, his familiarity with the club and past performances could make him a key figure as Southend look to revive their push for the play-offs.