George Dugdale

A transfer window is open and as a result, we are all talking about James Constable. In a long-winded, meandering attempt to figure out what I actually think, this is an editor's attempt to put things into perspective. As we are never going to agree, please feel free to submit your own take on events for 'Us Views'.

I really like James Constable.

It would seem, however, that there are a number of criteria that need to be fulfilled for that statement to be true. To really like James Constable, one must not speak of his weaknesses, offer suggestions as to how his limitations could be reduced or consider alternatives. With that in mind, entertaining the thought of selling Constable is likely to render me a heretic.

That is the thought going through my head though. I am changing my mind constantly, but on the condition that any transfer fee in reinvested in the right player(s), I can see an argument for accepting the right bid.

I am an Oxford United supporter. I don't have an allegiance to Chris Wilder or James Constable exclusively. I support both. They both want the best for my football club, whatever you may be told. We are embroiled in a strange situation whereby you are either 'Team Wilder' or 'Team Beano', as if Oxford United's support is divided by some teenager inspired Twilight based allegiance system. The only thing I understand about the various cliques is that it is unforgivable to criticise Constable's contribution, but perfectly acceptable to suggest that a desire to sell a footballer links directly to a manager's ego and jealousy. That alone is ludicrous, but it seems likely to be the summer trend.

There are three areas to approach when contemplating Constable's future. Firstly, what are his strengths and how likely are we to see them next season? What are his weaknesses and why are they increasingly apparent? Finally, what will happen if he goes? There is little chance of fans agreeing on all three factors, but the last one appears the crucial element.

One of the greatest strengths to James Constable is who he is and what he has achieved. Beano was a phenomenal non-league striker. His goalscoring record was exceptional, defences couldn't handle him and alongside Wilder, he was the driving force behind our resurgence. As such, the man is talismanic. When you think of Oxford United, James Constable doesn't follow far behind. Fiercely competitive on the field, Constable the man is humble, intelligent and a fine representative of the club. To have Constable playing for Oxford United has been a privilege and the idea of the club without him is difficult to comprehend.

As a player, he has plenty of qualities. He works hard in pressing defences, is capable of bullying defenders (although he has been out-battled by several over the years) and although far from perfect, there is more faith in Constable burying a chance than many of his team-mates. More than anything though, I can't remember a striker with such ability to spin a defender. He sticks his backside into the centre-back, he turns sharply and more often than not, gets a shot away or wins a free-kick. Whether he plays to this strength enough is an issue that I will cover later, but it is certainly an asset that I will associated with Beano, wherever his career may take him.

If you take the best aspects of Constable's game, he is an excellent striker. If he could produce his best every week, he would not be a League Two footballer. The frustration will always be that we know what he can do. Thumping headers against Swindon and Wrexham, an acrobatic effort against Bristol Rovers, opportunistic goals like those against Barnet and Histon and the emphatic finish at Wembley provide the show-reel of a striker who can score all sorts of goals.

We all know what Beano is capable of, but more telling is perhaps a study of his limitations. Every player has a price, but Oxford United are willing to accept an offer around the