In these uncertain times the Oxford United Academy has had to make some big decisions on players’ futures and we would like to wish a number of our young players the very best for the future.
Under 23 players Sam Allardyce, Owen James and Aaron McCreadie have been told they will not be offered new contracts while under 18 goalkeeper Max Evans, defender Viktor Milton and striker Jordan Edwards have also been told that they will not be offered pro deals at the end of their scholarships.
Academy Manager Dan Harris told us:
“By far the worst part of this job is having to make these decisions and we have spoken to all of them and explained the situation. They should all be so proud of their hard work and attitude over their time at the club. They are impressive young men and we will do our best to help them to transition in to the next step on their career paths as we have continued to do with many young players over the last few years
“We have already offered Nico Jones, Fabio Lopes, Slavi Spasov and Michael Elechi pro deals and in these unprecedented times we have been able to extend the time that Fabio Sole, Leon Chambers-Parillon and Jack Stevens will be with us- Fabio and Leon will have a third year as scholars and Jack, because he entered the system late, has effectively a three month extension.
“Kyran Lofthouse has done well on loan at Oxford City and has been offered a new one-year-deal and we are waiting for a chance to sit down and talk to Max Harris and Kevin Berkoe to discuss the various options; we will always try to do that face to face.
“At the same time we have nine new scholars when we do start back and an exciting Academy system that will continue to produce players at all age groups.”