Oxford United manager, Michael Appleton, has made his first signing since joining the club little over a week ago. Former Scunthorpe United captain Michael Collins has put pen to paper on a one year contract at the Kassam Stadium and is likely to play in a friendly at Oxford City tonight.
28-year-old Collins began his career at Huddersfield Town and made over 170 appearances in a six-year spell before joining Scunthorpe in 2010, he was released by Scunthorpe in May having made 20 appearances in the Iron’s promotion winning season. A knee injury meant the former Republic of Ireland U21 international faced a spell on the sidelines and later spent time on loan at AFC Wimbledon in a bid to get match fitness and game time. He returned to Scunthorpe for the final run-in and featured in six games as they secured promotion.
Appleton was understandably delighted at securing his first signing and said “He is a good player and adds something different to what we currently have in midfield. He likes to win the ball back, he can dominate the centre of the park and he has attacking attributes as well“.
Oxford fans too have been tweeting their thoughts on the new man:
Michael Collins is a solid signing, very happy with that. Gives our midfield a bit of mobility and power. Good start to the signings! #oufc
— Matt ‘Oggie’ Organ (@OUFCoggie) July 15, 2014
Michael Collins is a safe but marvellous signing for Oxford United. Surprised Scunthorpe United have let him go so easily #OUFC #Iron
— Daniel Church (@DJChurch94) July 15, 2014
Appleton also indicated that Collins could be the first of a few new faces through the door in the coming days. “We will continue to work hard to bring players in and hopefully there will be a few other new faces arriving soon as well.”
