ANTHONY Forde will be an Oxford United player next season after agreeing a new contract.

The Irishman has signed a one-year deal to stay with the U’s, who he has helped reach the Sky Bet League One play-offs in successive campaigns since arriving from Rotherham United in 2019.

Forde was United’s highest-profile player yet to agree terms, but did return for pre-season training yesterday with the rest of the squad.

Now his contract has been confirmed, the versatile 27-year-old is ready to move his focus back to football.

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He said: “Over the summer I’ve gone back home and we’ve sorted out a few little things.

“There were no problems really, it was very straightforward.

“I’ve loved it here since I signed and I wanted to continue that.

“We’ve done really well the last two years and with better starts we could have done even better.

“It’s an amazing group here, the staff, the players everyone.

“They’ve been brilliant since I’ve signed and it’s a great environment to work in.

“I’m just delighted it’s done and I can crack on and focus on the season.”

Forde’s 75 U’s appearances – 33 of which have come from the bench - have seen him play in a variety of positions.

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He signed as a winger, but has also featured in defensive and advanced midfield roles, as well as full-back on both flanks.

Forde was limited to 30 games in 2019/20, after suffering broken ribs in December 2019 and seeing the campaign cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.

He scored twice early in the season, but went 16 months without a goal before finding the net against Lincoln City in March.

Forde also claimed five assists in 2020/21, when he made 45 appearances.

His new deal ends a busy week for United, who signed winger Billy Bodin and agreed first professional deals with Leon Chambers-Parillon and Tyler Goodrham.