Darren Patterson hailed his first summer signing as a major coup after midfielder Joe Burnell joined Oxford United on a two-year deal.

The 27-year-old former Bristol City, Wycombe Wanderers and Northampton Town player has extensive Football League experience and Patterson believes the Bristolian will be able to forge a formidable central midfield partnership with Adam Murray.

Patterson said: "Joe's a good player with a proven history. He's played a lot higher up, and captained every club he's played for.

"With the age and experience he has, he fits the bill perfectly and we're really pleased to have him.

"He's refused to go to quite a few League clubs to come here, which is fantastic. It's a big coup for us."

Burnell said: "Exeter, Aldershot, Port Vale and Crewe had all put contract offers on the table to me, but I was impressed by Oxford's manager and chairman when I met them.

"The manager has good passion and the way he spoke about the club moving forward impressed me, and it seemed like the chairman was very well-involved, which is important."

Surveying the Kassam Stadium, he added: "It's a good set-up here and I'm now looking forward to meeting up with the lads."

Patterson and physio Neil Sullivan returned to Oxford from HMS Collingwood to ensure his medical and signing went OK. All three will travel back down to Portsmouth.

Also training with the U's on the south coast are ex-Portsmouth, Wycombe and Notts County defender Gary Silk and former Doncaster, Brentford and Leyton Orient keeper Stuart Nelson, who began his career with Oxford City.