Josh McEachran puts pen to paper on new U’s deal

JOSH McEachran has put pen to paper on a new contract with Oxford United.

The midfielder’s current deal is due to expire in the summer, and he was one of three out of contract players that United opened talks with over fresh terms.

Oxford-born McEachran has now signed a deal for the 2024/25 season, the club have confirmed.

He joined the U’s last summer, after leaving MK Dons, and played 34 times in all competitions as United secured promotion from Sky Bet League One.

The 31-year-old started 10 league games, and was a substitute in a further 14 League One matches.

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He came on for Ruben Rodrigues in the final 20 minutes of the first leg of the play-off semi-final against Peterborough United, while he featured in the closing 10 minutes at Wembley, after again replacing Rodrigues, in the play-off final victory over Bolton Wanderers.

McEachran told the club website: “I’m absolutely delighted to extend my stay at Oxford United.

“Being a local boy from Oxford, I know what this club means to everyone in the area, and it was amazing to see the city get behind the team in what was such a special season.

“Now, I can’t wait to take part in the Championship with Oxford and see what we can achieve.”

Head coach Des Buckingham added: “We are delighted to have Josh remain at Oxford United. Josh played an important part in our team last season, particularly in the run-in as we pushed for the play-offs and then on to Wembley.

“His ability and experience was crucial and we will be looking for Josh to bring those qualities again for the 2024/25 campaign.”

Ed Waldron, head of recruitment, said: “We are really pleased to have Josh with us for at least another season.

“Over the past 12 months, Josh has not only shown what a good player he is, but he’s also a fantastic person and quickly became a key figure in helping build the culture we want at the club.

“He’s spent the majority of his career at Championship level or above and we believe he can bring a lot to the team for our first year back in the Championship.”

McEachran came through the academy at Chelsea and made 22 appearances for the club as a youngster, while his time at Stamford Bridge included loan spells with Swansea City, Middlesbrough, Watford, Wigan Athletic and Dutch outfit Vitesse Arnhem.

He then signed for Brentford for a reported £750,000 in July 2015, before a move to Birmingham City four years later.

McEachran joined MK Dons as a free agent in March 2021.

Alongside Joe Bennett and Josh Murphy, McEachran was among the three out of contract players the U’s opened discussions with.

Meanwhile, United quartet Billy Bodin, Marcus Browne, James Henry and Steve Seddon were released and will leave the club this summer.

Midfield duo Marcus McGuane and Josh Johnson had one-year options in their deals triggered, while winger Kyle Edwards will remain with the club while he continues his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury.