Deadline day was a hive of activity for Oxford United with the U’s bringing in two new faces and keeping their squad intact.
Despite the positivity, Des Buckingham did miss out on two of his reported targets on the final day of the transfer window.
Oxford United Deadline Day Round-Up
Blackpool Sign Oxford Target
Blackpool beat Oxford United to the signing of Sheffield Wednesday midfielder, George Byers.
The Owls man has made 22 Championship appearances this season but, with his contract due to expire in the summer, made the loan move to the Seasiders.
A report in the Sheffield Star claimed that Oxford, Rotherham and Barnsley had also shown interest in the 27-year-old, with the latter believed to have launched a bid to take him on a free transfer with add-ons.
Marriott Joins Wrexham
After seeing bids rejected in the summer and renewed interest in the January window, Oxford lost out on striker Jack Marriott.
The 29-year-old left League One strugglers Fleetwood and penned a deal with League Two highflyers, Wrexham.
Would Des Buckingham bring in a striker before the 11pm deadline?
Dale Signs on Permanent Deal
The U’s made their first Deadline Day addition with the arrival of Owen Dale from Blackpool.
The 25-year-old winger, who watched from the stands as Oxford drew against Portsmouth on Tuesday night, arrives for an undisclosed fee from their League One rivals.
The former Crewe man has often been deployed as a wing back for the Seasiders, giving Buckingham more options.
Matete Arrival on Loan
The U’s then boosted their midfield options with the arrival of Jay Matete on loan from Sunderland.
The 22-year-old helped the Black Cats secure promotion to the Championship before winning another promotion from League One while on loan at Plymouth.
Buckingham never publicly considered a midfielder as a target in the window but U’s fans will be elated after crying out for it for the past few weeks.
