Deadline Day Dale
BLACKPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 5: Blackpool's Owen Dale battles with Barnsley's Mael de Gevigney during the Bristol Street Motors Trophy Second Round match between Blackpool and Barnsley at Bloomfield Road on December 5, 2023 in Blackpool, England. (Photo by Dave Howarth - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Oxford United have made their first deadline day addition with the arrival of Blackpool winger, Owen Dale.
The 25-year-old, who watched from the stands as the U’s drew against Portsmouth on Tuesday night, arrives for an undisclosed fee from their League One rivals.
Oxford head coach Des Buckingham told the club website: “He is an exciting player, he gets at defenders, has a lot of energy and has played over 200 games, so he knows his game and we feel still has plenty of potential to keep improving.
“With Tyler Burey and Will Goodwin also joining in this window, we’ve really strengthened our attacking options. Owen will go straight into the squad to face Reading on Saturday.”
The former Crewe academy player, who joined the Seasiders in 2021, added: “I played against Oxford earlier in the season and really liked the way things are set up here.
“I met the manager and know he has big plans and, having watched them against Portsmouth on Tuesday night, you can see what a good side they are.
“I know there are also players coming back into the group who will strengthen the squad for a real push between now and the end of the season.”
The winger can play on either flank but is best suited on the right which is good news for the U’s. He has also been deployed as a wing back for Blackpool, which gives Buckingham another option should he switch to a back five.