Dave Savage, Oxford United's Player of the Year last season, says he is looking forward to starting afresh after yesterday joining third division rivals Bristol Rovers.

Dave SavageThe former Republic of Ireland midfielder signed a two-year contract at the Memorial Stadium, and said the amazing support of the 2,500 Rovers fans at the Kassam Stadium on Easter Monday played a part in his decision to join the club.

"It was strange the way it ended at Oxford," he said. "I was voted the supporters' player of the year and I was willing to talk openly about a new contract there, even though I knew they would be offering me less money.

"It all went sour in the end and it was well documented in the local media.

"What was said was said and I'm now a Bristol Rovers player. I had two enjoyable years at Oxford, but Rovers are my challenge now."

U's boss Ian Atkins has signed Derek Townsley from Hibs to bolster his midfield, and is waiting to see whether Bobby Ford will agree a new deal.

Meanwhile, as reported in later editions of yesterday's Sportsmail, Oxford United have announced that they will be launching their own matchday TV channel at the Kassam Stadium with a number of screens in the concourse areas.

In conjunction with New Media, the stadium will carry its own OUFC channel showing the previous week's highlights, interviews and scores from around the country.