On the pitch, Oxford United have ended the opening month top of the league and off it, it’s been a pretty successful opening transfer window for Liam Manning.
The U’s have seen 11 new arrivals and just two departures, although a further seven have been released for varying reasons. Here is a round-up of the summer transfer window:
Matty Taylor, Djavan Anderson, Jodi Jones – Released
Oxford began the window by announcing the players that would be released. Jodi Jones and Djavan Anderson were allowed to leave but there was some surprise and mixed reaction after Liam Manning allowed Matty Taylor to depart.
Ruben Rodrigues – Notts County (free)
It didn’t take long before the U’s made their first addition. Manning snapped up Notts County attacking midfielder, Ruben Rodrigues. The Portuguese had lit up the National League and has impressed with his early performances in League One.
Jordan Thorniley – Blackpool (free)
Next through the door was a face many Oxford fans were happy to see back. Jordan Thorniley had a successful loan spell from Blackpool a couple of seasons ago and, following his release from the Seasiders, made a permanent return to Grenoble Road.
Josh McEachran – MK Dons (free)
Oxford-born midfielder Josh McEachran was the next to arrive. The 30-year-old, who worked under Manning at MK Dons, provides experience in the middle of the park and is the holding midfielder the U’s have been searching for.
Jack Stevens – Cambridge (free)
The first departure was goalkeeper, Jack Stevens. There had been noise that the U’s were about to bring in a new shot-stopper so it was no surprise that Stevens, who spent last season on loan at Port Vale, was allowed to depart.
James Beadle – Brighton (loan)
The noise of a new goalkeeper soon became a reality when James Beadle became the first loanee, arriving from Brighton. The young goalkeeper, who has earned his first England U21 call-up since being at the club, has so far played in every match.
Fin Stevens – Brentford (loan)
Despite a quick start to the window, fans were still calling for a full-back and a striker. Over the next few days, the U’s would cover both positions. First, Wales U21 international Fin Stevens joined on a season-long loan from Brentford, with the versatile player able to play left back, right back or even as a holding midfielder.
Mark Harris – Cardiff (free)
The striker came next when Mark Harris joined following his release from Cardiff. The 24-year-old had been with the Bluebirds for all of his career so a move to Oxford was a fresh start for the Wales international. He has also hit the ground running in a yellow shirt.
Stuart Findlay – Kilmarnock (loan)
Manning had overseen six new arrivals but now the club went about shifting some unwanted players. Stuart Findlay, who had only penned a four-year deal in the previous summer, was sent on loan to former club, Kilmarnock.
Steve Seddon – Burton (loan)
Fellow defender Steve Seddon was the next to go, with the left-back joining League One rivals Burton. Seddon had struggled at Oxford but in him and Findlay, that became two players off the wage bill.
Stanley Mills – Everton (loan)
Highly-rated Everton winger Stanley Mills was the next arrival. The 19-year-old, who is the son of former England international, Danny Mills, has made a good start to life in League One.
Max Woltman – Liverpool (undisclosed)
The arrival of Max Woltman was important for two reasons. Firstly, he became the eighth new arrival before the season had even begun, and he was also the first player the club spent money on. Yet to make an appearance, there is plenty to get excited about with this 19-year-old.
Yanic Wildschut – Released
There had been uncertainty over the future of winger Yanic Wildschut, but between the wins over Derby and Barnsley, the club released the 31-year-old. The Suriname international still had one year left on his contract but it’s another wage off the book for a player that was fairly ineffective for the U’s.
Greg Leigh – Ipswich (undisclosed)
While Fin Stevens is a versatile full-back, many fans still wanted a natural left-back. Well, Manning ticked that box and more with the arrival of Greg Leigh from Ipswich. The majority of Tractor Boys’ supporters were unhappy to see him leave which is a good indicator of what he will bring to the club.
Sonny Perkins – Leeds (loan)
Having attempted a failed to sign Jack Marriott, the U’s then brought in exciting youngster, Sonny Perkins. The former West Ham striker, who made the move to Leeds, has impressed at youth levels and certainly knows where the goal is.
Simon Eastwood, Gatlin O’Donkor – New Deals
With Stevens out and a potential loan move away for Ed McGinty, Simon Eastwood committed his future to the club. Despite being number one for much of his Oxford tenure, the 34-year-old has accepted his role of backup to Beadle but still offers experience should Manning need it.
At the other end of his career, young striker Gatlin O’Donkor also committed his future to the club. Like McGinty, there were talks that he too could spend time away on loan but his new deal means he will be here for the upcoming campaign.
Kyle Edwards – Ipswich (loan)
Following his former teammate Greg Leigh, Kyle Edwards was the final addition. The winger arrives on a season-long loan from Ipswich, but the Tractor Boys can recall the 25-year-old in January. Landing Edwards is key after Marcus Browne picked up an injury in the win over Barnsley.
