U's bring in former Brighton forward
- Striker Will Hoskins signs for Oxford United
- 28-year-old previously with Rotherham, Watford, Millwall, Forest, Brighton and Sheffield United
- Search continues to further strengthen squad
Oxford United have completed the signing of striker Will Hoskins.
The 28-year-old forward began his career at Rotherham United, scoring 25 times in 39 games and attracting interest from a host of higher league clubs. He moved to Watford in January 2007 and after loan periods at Millwall and Nottingham Forest joined Bristol Rovers in 2010, scoring 20 times before a move to Championship Brighton the following summer. He scored on his debut for the Seagulls and scored the winning goal to knock Newcastle out of the FA Cup last season, also spending time at Sheffield United on loan before becoming a free agent this summer.
A hard-working forward who can play anywhere along the front line, Will has also played for England at under 18, 19 and 20 level. He was in the stands to watch United against Portsmouth on Saturday and then completed his medical before signing the paperwork on a one year deal with an option to extend that by a further year.
Head Coach Michael Appleton said:
“Will is an exciting signing for us. He has bags of experience, has scored goals throughout his career and he works ever so hard for the team. We have played well in every game so far this season but not picked up the results and I think anyone who has watched us has seen where we needed to strengthen. We have been patient in trying to find the right player and we believe that Will fits the bill perfectly.”
Chief Executive Mark Ashton said:
“I worked with Will at Watford and know he is a bright lad who wants to do well. It’s no secret that we have been searching for a striker. Right at the start of that search I said to Michael that we needed “someone like Will Hoskins” but we knew there was interest from a number of higher league clubs.
“We met Will and explained what we are looking to build here and he really believes in the way we are approaching things. We are delighted that he has joined and we are still working hard to bring in further players who we believe will improve what we have here already.”