FOOTBALL: Eddie rejects loan move

The former Brentford man, who signed a three-year contract at Oxford in the summer, has found first-team chances limited with the fine form of Chris Hargreaves, Carl Pettefer and Andy Burgess.

Former U's striker Martin Foyle, the Port Vale manager, approached U's boss Jim Smith about taking Hutchinson on loan to Vale Park, but the player rejected the opportunity.

Smith could not hide his delight at the midfielder's decision.

"We did receive an approach from Martin Foyle at Port Vale to take Eddie on loan," Smith confirmed.

"But I have to emphasise that it was only on loan, and when that happens, I feel that it is only right to tell a player and give him the opportunity to go.

"I didn't want him to go, but did give him the chance.

"He is an important part of the squad here, and I talked everything through with him.

"He told me that he wants to stay and fight for his place here and that is fantastic news.

"Eddie has a great attitude and a big part to play for us still, and it shows just how united this squad is at the moment."

Smith added that it was the spirit within the squad that is stopping him from looking at bringing in new faces.

"You are always looking at players who might be available and who could strengthen the squad," he said.

"But when you look at the lads that are here, it is the spirit they have that has pulled us through on a number of occasions and you don't want to put that at risk.

"You can bring in a good footballer but bad person sometimes, and having that one bad one in the squad can bring everyone else down.

"So I have been looking at areas I could strengthen, but know what a difficult task it is to find the right player to come in without upsetting the apple cart.

"The players here are also so supportive of each other, whether they are playing or on the bench and it is so nice to see that at a football club."

Hutchinson is likely to have to settle for another place on the bench tomorrow when United entertain Aldershot.