GEORGE Baldock described the decision join Oxford United as a “no-brainer” given the determination the club had shown to bring him back.

A major part of the jigsaw for next season’s side was completed yesterday, when the 22-year-old agreed a season-long loan switch from MK Dons.

It secured a return for the right back, who was part of United’s strong finish to last season, playing 12 games on loan.

They have been keen to agree a deal ever since, with Michael Appleton telling the Oxford Mail last month he had not given up hope.

Both the U’s boss and his assistant, Derek Fazackerley, have been in touch with Baldock this summer and when combined with the successful spell last season, it became an offer too good to turn down.

He said: “I’ve made it clear a few times that one of the reasons I like it so much at Oxford is because of the group of lads and the staff.

“The manager and Faz have both been on the phone to me in the summer and it shows you how much someone wants you.

“I’m a kind of player who thrives on that.

“Little things like that are what make it really enjoyable at Oxford.”

The move means Baldock drops two divisions from his parent club, who won promotion to the Sky Bet Championship in May.

There was interest from clubs in League One, but the defender’s ambition to achieve something this season counted in United’s favour.

“I wasn’t really interested in waiting,” he said.

“If I had the opportunity to go to Oxford for the start of pre-season that was what I wanted.

“Training really hard every day at MK knowing this year won’t be my time would’ve been quite demoralising.

“When I knew Oxford had interest it was a no-brainer and I’m absolutely buzzing to be back.

“I wouldn’t go to a club in League Two that I didn’t think would have the chance of getting promoted.

“I don’t want to be just a League Two loanee, I want to get a promotion under my belt and try to help them get into League One.”

Baldock is the fifth signing this summer and while there remains the possibility of further activity, Appleton would be happy to start the season with the existing squad.

He said: “I feel comfortable with that group, most definitely – but you never say never.

“I feel we’re 95 per cent done, if that extra five per cent walks in between now and the end of pre-season then great.

“If he doesn’t, then I’m not going to lose too much sleep.”