Oxford United can confirm that two new players have completed the paperwork to join the club.
The U’s have signed 21-year-old midfielder Mark Sykes on a two and a half year deal for an undisclosed fee from Glenavon.
Mark told us:
“I’m really excited to have got things sorted out. Obviously it is a step up to full time football but I have played over 140 games in competitive men’s football and have learned so much in that time. I was really impressed by the Manager at Oxford, by the plans the club have and I can’t wait to get started.”
Manager Karl Robinson welcomes the Northern Ireland under 21 international, saying
“He has a terrific goalscoring record for a midfielder and we knew there was a lot of competition to sign him. Credit to Tiger for moving quickly when we heard he was available: he is a really exciting prospect.”
Mark grew up close to United winger Gavin Whyte - the pair have known each other for 15 years and played in the same representative sides as schoolboys. Gavin has gone from strength to strength since joining from Crusaders in the summer and told us:
“I think the Oxford fans are going to like watching him. He plays with a lot of freedom, makes things happen and I think is a really good player. I spoke to him and told him what a great club this is and if that played a part in his decision then great because I know he will be a great signing for us.”
Mark is likely to be involved for the first time when the U’s travel to Brentford on Saturday in the FA Cup and will be joined in the squad by winger Jordan Graham who today completed the paperwork on his loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers.