Oxford United secured three first-team players to longer term deals this week, which is a huge boost going in to the new season.
BREAKING: Elliott Moore has signed a new three-year contract with #oufc.
Read the full story as the U's captain commits his future to the club:https://t.co/H49geMDAXI pic.twitter.com/O8Iwft1D3i
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) June 7, 2022
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: New Deals for U’s Trio
Oxford United Captain Commits Future
Oxford skipper Elliott Moore has penned a new three year deal with the club.
Out of contract in the summer, the club triggered a 12-month extension but the 25-year-old has now committed his future.
Speaking to the club’s official website, manager Karl Robinson said: “He is an outstanding defender and also a terrific role model and a natural leader.
“He has the respect of everyone at the club and I think he has his best years still ahead of him.”
Moore added: “I am more than happy here and have felt at home since the very first day I stepped through the door.
“We have gone so close to winning promotion over the last few years and we are determined to be up there and get the job done this time around.
“It’s good to get it sorted and now I’m looking forward to coming back for pre-season.”
Ninety Minutes for Smyth
U’s midfielder Oisin Smyth gained more international minutes by playing the full game as Northern Ireland U21s ended their Euro 2023 qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw in Lithuania.
The 22-year-old played in a back three and was made captain towards the end of the match after Ethan Galbraith was substituted off.
Gorrin Pens Additional Year
After weeks of speculation, midfielder Alex Rodriguez Gorrin finally put pen to paper on a new one-year deal.
The 28-year-old Spaniard was out of contract in the summer and had also attracted interest from other League One clubs, but the U’s have managed to tie the midfielder down for an additional year.
Gorrin hasn’t played since November after picking up an ACL injury in an FA Cup clash against Bristol Rovers, and speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “That was so frustrating, watching the team and seeing us go so close to promotion again but knowing I couldn’t play a part.
“But I have been working hard all summer and will hopefully get a good pre-season and be able to play a full part in what we hope will be a successful season.
“I love being at Oxford. The players and staff are a very tight group and the fans have been amazing with me. I can’t wait to report back and get going again.”
Bodin Becomes Third Player in a Week to Extend Stay
Like Gorrin, Billy Bodin was also out of contract in the summer but the U’s tied the 30-year-old down to a two-year deal.
Having arrived from Preston North End last summer, the former Bristol Rovers man impressed with seven goals and five assists from 25 appearances.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Bodin said: “I saw Elliott Moore and Alex Gorrin say they felt there was unfinished business here and I feel exactly the same way.
“We pushed really hard for promotion and just fell short at the end last season, so I want to play my part in doing better this time around.
“We have such a good group here and we it’s a pleasure to be part of a side that is committed to playing good football.
“I have enjoyed every moment since I first signed and can’t wait to get back for pre-season and be part of the group again.”
Robinson added: “The fans could see really quickly what a talented player Billy is.
“Off the field, he slotted straight in and is a fantastic pro who bought into the culture of the club very quickly.
“It’s not just his goals, it’s the way he creates things for others around him too. He had other options but I am delighted that he sees his future here and wants to be part of where we aim to take this club over the next couple of years.”
Brannagan Named In PFA League One Team of the Year
On Thursday, U’s midfielder Cameron Brannagan was named in the PFA League One Team of the Year at the association’s awards ceremony. The 26-year-old scored a career-high 14 goals from 44 appearances, along with three assists.
It is the third year in a row that a player has been represented in the PFA selection, with Brannagan and Rob Dickie making the team in 2020 and Rob Atkinson in 2021.
However, the club will now face an uphill battle to keep hold of the midfielder next season, with several clubs interested in the former Liverpool youngster.
