OWEN Dale is delighted with how quickly he has settled into life at Oxford United, as his status as a fans’ favourite continues to grow.

The 25-year-old joined the U’s for an undisclosed fee from Blackpool on January deadline day, with his passion and performances on the pitch quickly endearing himself to the United faithful.

It comes after a tricky first half of the season, when he couldn’t nail down a regular starting berth for the Seasiders, and even then, many of his games were as a wing back in Neil Critchley’s preferred system with three at the back.

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Dale said: “This season especially was tough for me, being in an out at Blackpool.

“It was nice to come here, and I felt a little bit more at home. I settled in really quick. The boys and the team were really accommodating and great with me.

“It feels like somewhere where it’s just clicked and it’s the right time. It’s a pleasure to play here and it’s a pleasure to play for the badge.

“If the fans like me, then that’s a huge bonus, but I just go out there to give 110 per cent every week.”

Dale arrived in Oxfordshire for a team which had a number of options out wide, however recent weeks have seen he and Josh Murphy become the undisputed first choice wingers.

“We’ve got a lot of wingers, but more predominantly on the left, and they wanted me to operate on the right wing, which I’m used to and accustomed to,” said Dale.

“It helps getting that game time. I hadn’t had an abundance of game time before I got here, so I was dusting the cobwebs off and looking to hit the ground running.

“It’s fortunate that I feel like I have, more so because I want to help the team as much as possible, whether that’s goals, assists or work rate.

“I’m in the team to help it as much as possible, and get us up the league.”

Silky tricks and stepovers have become part and parcel of Dale’s performances, an area of his game he attributes to his footballing roots, when he came through the academy at Crewe Alexandra, and being able to express himself on the pitch is something he relishes.

Dale said: “I came through the academy at Crewe, and they were very big on developing the technical side.

“It’s always something I’ve liked to do. I like to try and excite, and get at my man.

“I like being in one v one situations, and I like dribbling with the ball.”