It has been an excellent season for all connected with Oxford United. Although they lost in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final, they made up for that by sealing automatic promotion into League One under the management of Michael Appleton.
He has now officially submitted his retained list to the Football League. Five are being allowed to leave the Kassam Stadium, whilst two have been offered deals and a further two have extended their stay with the one-time League Cup winners.
The U’s have offered new contracts to striker Danny Hylton and winger Chris Maguire. Hylton scored 12 goals on route to sealed the runners-up spot for the club, also achieving the Supporters’ Player of the Year Award in the process. Maguire joined from Rotherham during last season following a productive loan spell. His run of goals in the last few games played a major part in earning promotion.
Goalkeeper Benji Bushel started exactly half of their league games last season and an option to extend his contract has been activated with the club. Midfielder Josh Ruffels also signs on for an additional year.
Johnny Mullins is the highest-profile name to be leaving the Kassam this summer. The 30-year-old has played over 100 games for the club, including 39 league starts in their promotion winning campaign last season. He leaves after originally signing on loan in October 2012, before it was made permanent the following year. Appleton said that the emergence of Chey Dunkley means that Mullins isn’t guaranteed a starting place next season.
Jordan Bowery also leaves the club despite his solid goal to appearance ratio. He scored seven goals last season in just 17 league appearances. The former Aston Villa man will search for a new club. Regular substitute Pat Hoban is another who is free to exit, whilst Freddie Grant and AJ George will move on as well.
