Oxford United: Six Summer Signings

 

Newly promoted League One side, Oxford United, have made their sixth summer signing after the U’s snapped up Plymouth Argyle skipper, Curtis Nelson.

The 23 year old, who scored for the Pilgrims against Michael Appleton’s side in a 2-2 draw at Home Park last season, arrives at Grenoble Road on a two year deal, and is the U’s sixth signing so far.

Nelson, who led Plymouth to the League Two play-off final last season and had made well over 200 appearances for the club, turned down at new deal at Home Park, but the U’s will have to pay compensation to Derek Adams’s side as the defender is under 24.

Nelson joins up with fellow defender’s Christian Ribeiro and Aaron Martin, who have arrived from Exeter City and Coventry City respectively, goalkeeper Simon Eastwood, who arrives from Blackburn, and striker Wes Thomas following his release from Birmingham.

The U’s have also snapped up 18 year old Arsenal midfielder Dan Crowley on a season long loan. The talented youngster, who made thirteen appearances on loan at Barnsley last season, scoring one goal, has been touted as a player with a bright future ahead of him in the game.

Eastwood, 26, was released from Blackburn at the end of the season, and arrives at the club he joined back in 2011, but failed to make an appearance due to the consistent form of number one goalkeeper, Ryan Clarke. He also played under Appleton at Ewood Park during the manager’s brief spell with the Championship side.

29 year old striker Thomas and 26 year old Martin both arrive at Grenoble Road on two year deals following their release from Birmingham and Coventry respectively. Thomas also played under Appleton during brief spells at Blackpool and Portsmouth, whilst the former Sky Blues defender has compared this new look U’s side to Burton Albion, after the Brewers achieved back to back promotions after they gained promotion to League One.

Ribeiro, capped twice by Wales, also arrives on a two year deal following his release from Exeter. The 26 year old made 78 appearances for the Grecians over two season’s, despite missing both games against the U’s last season.

All six players upon their arrival have said the same thing about the club; that there is a lot of positivity around the club, and the chairman and manager both have high ambitions, with another promotion potentially on the cards.