Despite a disappointing summer in the transfer window, Oxford United have had a busy 24 hours. On Tuesday, the U’s lost Gavin Whyte to Cardiff City, but shortly after announced the signing of Liverpool youngster Ben Woodburn on a season-long loan. Then, yesterday, the club signed Anthony Forde following his release from Rotherham United, which was followed up by news that defender Rob Dickie and manager Karl Robinson had extended their contracts at the club.
Busy Day For Karl Robinson and Oxford United
One Out but Two In
Fans were devastated after Cardiff City announced the signing of Gavin Whyte. Not only was the Northern Ireland international one of star players at the club, but the Bluebirds snapped up the winger for £2 million, despite Robinson putting a £4 million price tag on the 23-year-old.
The despair didn’t last long, though, as the U’s announced the signing of Ben Woodburn on loan from Liverpool. The 19-year-old is a prolific talent and his appointment excited the Yellow Army.
Then, yesterday afternoon, Oxford added to their squad with the addition of Anthony Forde following his release from Rotherham. The 25-year-old Northern Irish winger turned down a new deal with the Millers following their relegation the Championship but will begin life in League One anyway at Oxford.
Keeping Hold of Assets
After losing Nelson to Cardiff following the expiry of his contract, Oxford were not prepared to let a similar situation happen to Dickie, who enters his final year at the club.
The 23-year-old, who arrived from Reading in January 2018, made 37 appearances last season and big things are expected from the defender this season.
So far, the U’s are yet to replace Nelson, so the fact they’ve tied Dickie down on a new deal will be a major boost.
The other boost was the news the Robinson also penned a new deal. The former MK Dons man has extended his contract until the summer of 2022.
But it’s been a difficult time for the boss since his arrival from Charlton Athletic in March 2018. Having fallen into trouble prior to his arrival, Robinson managed to secure the U’s League One Status.
In his first full season in charge, the club flirted with relegation for most of the season, putting themselves into a comfortable position by going nine games unbeaten towards the end of the season, securing a mid-table finish.
Main Photo
