Oxford United Academy New Contracts

George Franklin

Oxford United can confirm new contracts have been signed by a number of Youth Academy graduates for the new campaign.

Three players have signed their first professional contracts at Oxford United, while two have signed their third-year scholar deals, with all five players continuing their journey at the club for the 2024/25 season.

The players that have signed are as follows:

Aidan Elliot-Wheeler

The 17-year-old has signed his first professional contract having been at the club since the age of 9. Having enjoyed successful loans at Banbury and Hemel, Aidan also made his senior debut last season in the EFL Trophy.

Richard McIntyre

The 18-year-old also signs his first professional contract. McIntrye recently had a successful loan at Salisbury where he helped them to the play-offs.

George Franklin

The 19-year-old is the third to sign his first professional contract. George has also been at the club since the age of 9 and made his senior debut against Northampton Town last season.

Zaide Took-Oxley

The 18-year-old stays on his third-year scholar and was part of the 2022/23 team that made it to the Youth Cup quarter-final.

Monty Marriott

The 18-year-old goalkeeper also stays on his third-year scholar and was the number one for the Youth Team last season.

Academy Manager, Stevie Kinniburgh, said: “We are delighted to see the boys stay with us at Oxford United to continue their development.

“Each player is one that we are very excited about, and we believe they can have a future at the club if they continue to progress.

“I have seen Aidan develop over my two years as Academy Manager, as he has stepped up to senior football on loan and in our senior team. We hope to see more of Aidan in the first-team over his time here.

“Richard is a fine example and his development over the last nine months has been outstanding. He has stepped up to train with the first-team on a regular basis and made his debut, so his hard work has paid off with this contract.

“George has earned his contract at Oxford United after his initial 3rd Year Scholar that he has just completed, this is a testament to the outstanding attitude George has to learning. He is close to recovery after a long-term injury on his debut against Northampton Town last season and he will be in good stead for his future career.

“Zaide has been a standout player in the youth team for the last two seasons. Zaide has been in the Academy for a long time and his steady development is why we wanted to keep him at the club next season. Alongside training regularly with the first-team next season, we will be looking for a loan that will help him develop to the next stage in his career.

“Monty has developed his confidence by stepping up to first-team training and will continue to regularly do this in the new campaign. He will get a development loan to aid this next step as it’s always difficult at youth level to be a goalkeeper.”