RICKY Holmes has finally completed his long-awaited loan move to Oxford United on transfer deadline day.

The season-long switch from Sheffield United, which has a recall option in January, appeared to be a done deal a week ago.

But it has been held up for several days due to administrative issues at Bramall Lane, during which time other clubs registered their interest in the 31-year-old.

However, Holmes stuck to his word and is looking forward to being reunited with U’s boss Karl Robinson, who he played under at Charlton Athletic.

He said: “I was there last Thursday and Friday, couldn’t train and it’s dragged out this week as well.

“It’s a business at the end of the day and there are other clubs who have come in, but I’d already given my word to Karl.

“I wanted to play under him again, we had a great relationship on and off the pitch and we’d always spoken after I moved to Sheffield.

“Once I give my word to someone I said I’d be signing here and we managed to get it sorted in the end.”

Robinson said: “There were so many comings and goings, we spoke on Saturday and everybody was asking if it was dead.

“We knew there was always a chance, the problem is the top seven at this level wanted him and some in Scotland as well.

“With good players you fight massive competition, but he gave me his word.”

Holmes was the first deal United had wrapped up on transfer deadline day.

One player has left, with Canice Carroll joining Brentford this morning.