Chris Hackett, who this week signed a new two-year deal to stay at Oxford United, believes there are exciting times ahead at the Kassam Stadium.

Hearing of the players that manager Graham Rix wants to sign encouraged the 21-year-old winger to commit his future to the club he has been with since a kid.

Ex-Portsmouth centre forward Lee Bradbury has been lined up to complement an attack that already includes Julian Alsop, Steve Basham and Mark Rawle - and there are hopes that Jamie Brooks can return to his old fitness and form.

"I'm just happy to sign and over the moon to be on board," Hackett said.

"I want to give it a real go for the next couple of years and I think it looks very promising at Oxford with the players the manager is trying to sign.

"Graham's been a massive part in me staying. He's been brilliant and is a proven coach. I know I've still got a lot to learn and believe I can develop a lot in the next two years with him."

Rix has already demonstrated his eagerness to play with wingers, giving Hackett far more regular first-team opportunities than he had under former boss Ian Atkins.

But Hackett, a former county sprint champion, has also played as a wingback and as a striker.

"Whatever formation the manager chooses, I feel Oxford is the best place for me to develop," he said.

"Being an Oxford boy, an Oxford United fan and with Graham Rix the manager, this was too good an offer to turn down."

Whitehead is sad to see his good friend Dean Whitehead leaving United, but wishes him well at Sunderland.

"I've been speaking to Dean on a regular basis. He's devastated at leaving Oxford, but it's a decision he's had to make and the opportunity to play at a higher level was one he felt he had to take.

"I'm gutted to see him go because we used to link up very well together in the team, but I'm delighted for him and wish him every success."

Players who have signed to be at Oxford United next season: Simon Cox, Chris Tardif, Jon Ashton, Adam Garner, Matt Robinson, Terry Parker, Paul Wanless, Barry Quinn, Mark Ebayer, Michael Alexis, Danny Brown, Mark Rawle, Julian Alsop, Steve Basham, Danny Morgan, Jamie Brooks, Jefferson Louis.

United are waiting to hear back from Scott McNiven and Dave Waterman.