ROB Hall will be part of Oxford United’s plans next season after signing a new contract.

The winger has agreed a one-year deal, with the club retaining a 12-month extension option.

It comes after Hall’s campaign was wiped out by an eight-month lay-off following knee surgery.

After making just six appearances in 18 months, the contract is based around pay-as-you-play terms, which limits the U’s commitment if there are any more fitness issues.

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Head coach Karl Robinson had made it clear the offer had a deadline, but the delay was down to Hall’s holiday rather than a prolonged negotiation.

The 25-year-old said: “I’m relieved it’s all done now.

“We’ve had it sorted for maybe two weeks now. I’ve just come back off holiday so it was good to do that (before) so I could enjoy my only time off.”

He added: “I didn’t expect (the contract) to be anything like that last one. It was just whether we could agree terms.

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“It’s not really a pay cut because if I’m playing then it’s sweet.

“From a business side of things I guess they’re just worried that if I broke down again, with the situation the club is in now I think it’s fair to say they don’t want to be wasting money.”

Oxford Mail:

  • Rob Hall back in the action on his long-awaited return against Doncaster Rovers last month   Picture: Steve Daniels

Staying on at United represents an achievement for Hall, who battled back to fitness so he could feature as a substitute in the last two games of the season.

He said: “I don’t think anyone can take away from me what I’ve done to get where I am now.

“Your family and friends are there for you, but there’s a lot you have to do yourself.

“To be able to find the strength in myself to get through that, I’m more proud of myself.”