One Year Extension Activated for Midfield Duo
LINCOLN, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Mark Sykes of Oxford United during the Sky Bet League One match between Lincoln City and Oxford United at Sincil Bank Stadium on September 12, 2020 in Lincoln, England. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
Oxford United have extended the deals of midfield duo Mark Sykes and Alex Rodriguez Gorrin after activating their option for an additional year.
The pair were out of contract in the summer, along with the likes of Josh Ruffels, Anthony Forde and Rob Hall, while James Henry also has an option on his current deal.
Sykes has had a hit and miss campaign but is enjoying his best football since he joined the club from Glenavon in January 2019.
Having fallen out of favour, the midfielder has been a key player in recent months and has added two assists in his last four league games. Now, he is happy to have committed his future.
Speaking to the Oxford Mail, the 23-year-old said: “The quicker it was sorted, the better.
“I’m glad that’s it for the next year and hopefully if I keep performing something else will come up.
“I feel since the Lincoln game (on March 26) I’ve been playing really well.
“I’ve had a few good and bad performances throughout the season, but I feel this is my best period.
“I’m really happy with how I’m getting on and results have been good, which helps.”
Gorrin is in his second season at the club, having joined from Motherwell in the summer of 2019. The defensive midfielder has made over 80 appearances for the U’s, scoring once.
He said: “I’m very excited, it has been a really enjoyable two years full of ups and downs, like football always is.
“Over the last two years, everyone has made sacrifices.
“We’ve had some really good moments and hopefully there are still a lot to come this season.”
Speaking to the club’s official website, U’s boss Karl Robinson added: “It didn’t take too long to make that decision because they are good players, they both love playing for the club and we think there is more to come from both of them.
“We are building for the future here and both of them fit the bill really well; good players with great attitudes and lot of potential, so we are really happy to have them here for at least one more year and hopefully longer.”