Oxford United have completed their fourth signing in 48 hours with the arrival of central defender Rob Atkinson from Eastleigh for an undisclosed fee.
Rob, 21, grew up in France before moving to England and working his way up the leagues including a spell at Basingstoke before he joined Eastleigh. He told us how pleased he is to get his chance with the U’s on a three and a half year deal.
“It’s a big move for me and I am determined to make the most of the opportunity. I have worked hard to get this far and I’d like to thank Eastleigh for everything they did for me, but as soon as I heard of Oxford’s interest I knew it was where I wanted to go. I know there is serious competition for places here and I know I may have to be patient and maybe go on loan for a while but that is all part of gaining experience and I know I am in good hands here and can’t wait to get started.”
Head Coach Karl Robinson said
”He is a big strong lad, left-sided and there were a lot of clubs looking at him so it is fantastic that he chose to join us. He has a really good attitude as well. I was straight with him: we have senior players who are playing unbelievably well in that position at the moment plus we have Nico Jones who is still only 17 but someone we hold in the highest esteem. Rob is 21 and it’s his first league club so he is very much one for the future, but that is great for us because we are a club building for long term success and we are prepared to work with young players and hopefully they flourish.”
Rob joins fellow new boys Liam Kelly, Nathan Holland and Marcus Browne in the United squad and will be number 26.
See a first interview in iFollow.
Fancy sponsoring Rob? Sponsors get his signed match worn shirt at the end of the season as well as their name or company name in the programme, all for just £200 + VAT. Contact Peter Rhoades-Brown on 01865 337503 or rosie@oufc.co.uk