PAUL Powell turned down the chance to join West Bromwich Albion because he wants to stay at the Manor Ground where he's getting the chance to develop, writes JON MURRAY.

The 20-year-old from Didcot, who gave another outstanding display at right wing back in United's 3-1 win at Norwich on Sunday, was the subject, with Phil Whitehead, of a combined £400,000 bid from former U's boss Denis Smith at The Hawthorns.

But, in a move that echoed Joey Beauchamp's decision not to head north, Powell said he wasn't interested in switching to the West Midlands.

"I'm happy at Oxford," he said. "I want to stay at Oxford and develop myself.

"I'm enjoying the best football of my career, have been getting a good run in the team and don't want to disrupt everything by going to a club where I might not be playing regular first-team football."

Powell's emergence this season, and the chance he has been given by Malcolm Shotton either in midfield or at wing back, has helped him gain national recognition, and he played for the Nationwide League Under 21 side in Italy last week. United fans have been angered by the thought that Powell might have to leave on the cheap to solve the club's financial troubles, and the youngster is now a big hit on the terraces.

"The fans have been really good to me and that was one of the reasons I wanted to stay. I'm really enjoying my football at the moment."

Powell was understandably tired at Carrow Road after his exertions in the week, but his speed and tackling in the first half rendered the highly-rated Keith O'Neill ineffective.

"Playing against the Italian players last week was a great experience for me., though I didn't think much of the stadium or the country from the brief time I had there," said Paul. "But Their players are so quick-thinking when they get the ball and that was something you have to try and match.

"At Norwich I thought that's easily the best we've played away for many, many months." We created so many chances and after the first ten or 15 minutes they didn't cause us any trouble really.It was an all-round good performance and we really stuck together as a unit."

Shotton was hoping that Whitehead's transfer means he won't have to lose Powell.

"He's worth a lot so it would have been a great shame to lose him for such a small amount."

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