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Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: New Deals, Defender Departure and Indonesian Tour

This week, Mark Ingram and Mark Harris both penned new deals at Oxford United while Stuart Findlay departed the club for the final time.

Elsewhere, the club have announced two home friendlies and confirmed a pre-season tour in Indonesia.

Read More: Mark Harris Pens New Deal With Oxford United 

Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Two Players Stay, Defender Departs and Indonesia Tour Confirmed

Home Friendlies Announced

Oxford welcome Bristol Rovers and Spanish side, CD Leganes at Grenoble Road next month.

The game against the Gas will be the first home fixture of the pre-season calendar before welcoming Leganes two days later for a Tuesday evening kickoff.

Pre-Season Tour of Indonesia Confirmed

After much speculation and unconfirmed reports, Oxford finally announced that they will compete in the annual President’s Cup tournament.

Next month, Gary Rowett’s side will compete in a six-team competition which includes sides from the host nation, as well as Port FC from Thailand.

The tournament is split into two groups of three with the U’s joined by Indonesia All-Stars and Arema FC.

Oxford begin the competition against the All-Stars in Jakarta’s 77,000-seater Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium before travelling to Bandung to face Arema FC.

Findlay Joins Hearts

On Thursday, Stuart Findlay joined Scottish Premiership side Hearts on a season-long loan.

The 29-year-old joined the U’s in 2022 but has spent the last two seasons in the SPL on loan at Kilmarnock.

The Scottish defender is out of contract in the summer.

Ingram Extends Oxford United Stay

Also on Thursday, goalkeeper Matt Ingram extended his stay at Grenoble Road.

The 31-year-old joined the U’s last summer but has been the second choice keeper behind Jamie Cumming.

Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “We have a very strong group of goalkeepers here, and I have loved coming in everyday trying to push myself and the rest of the team.

“I said on day one that I wanted to come in and drive the standards each day and bring experience to help us in the league. We achieved everything we set out at the start of the season, and I now want to continue to push us further forward.

“The strength of the team is in the unit and togetherness, particularly in our department, and it’s for this reason that I want to stay and continue to give my all.”

New Deal for Sparky

Oxford striker Mark Harris signed a new deal with the Championship club this week.

The 26-year-old, who was out of contract next summer, has scored 25 goals in 102 appearances for the U’s since his arrival from Cardiff in July 2023.

After signing the new deal, Harris said: “The two seasons I have spent at Oxford United have been the most enjoyable in my career.

“From the day I arrived, the fans have been outstanding, supporting me through good and bad times. We have had some incredible highs, and I want to do everything I can to continue to provide more moments for this club.

“I feel settled here in Oxford, but I’m full of ambition to achieve more. Wembley was a moment I’ll never forget, and last season was another hugely successful season. I want to make sure there are many more special memories to come, and I can see how positive the future is going to be.”

 

About Dale Ventham, Editor

Dale joined LWOF as a Football Writer in 2015 and has since been promoted to an editor for the site. He covers Oxford United with news, views and opinions.

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