New Oxford United defender Rob Atkinson has returned to Eastleigh on loan until the end of the season.
The 21-year-old, who was the U’s fourth signing during this transfer window, was always expected to return to the National League side but manager Karl Robinson wanted to look at the talented youngster before making a decision.
Robinson told the clubs clubs official website: “He is very much one for the future but he has settled in here really well.
“Defensively we have been very good this season and with Rob Dickie, John Mousinho and Elliott Moore ahead of him he wasn’t going to get much game time right now so a loan works well.
“There was a lot of interest from league clubs but we couldn’t do that with a recall clause, but by joining Eastleigh it opens up that possibility after 28 days, which means he can train with us, play games for them, and be back with us if needed. It’s a sensible move all round.”
Oxford travel to Newcastle tomorrow as the U’s look to book their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
The U’s famously beat the Magpies in the same round of the same competition three years ago, winning 3-0 at the Kassam Stadium.
