Oxford United defender Ciaron Brown signs contract until 2026

The Northern Ireland international penned fresh terms with United last week, becoming the fifth player to commit their long-term future to the club since the beginning of the season.

Simon Eastwood, Elliott Moore, Stephan Negru and Gatlin O’Donkor have also all penned their futures to the U’s.

READ ALSO: Our player ratings after Oxford United concede late equaliser against Blackpool

Brown’s previous deal was due to expire next summer, with United announcing last week that he had signed a new ‘longer-term’ deal with the club.

The 25-year-old defender though has disclosed that his new contract has extended his time with the U’s until the end of the 2025/26 campaign.

“I was very pleased to get it over the line because I want to be here at the club,” said Brown.

“It feels good for the club to reward me in that way. Obviously it doesn’t mean anything in terms of that I’ve still got to prove myself day in and day out.

“I’m happy to get it over the line and I hope the club’s happy to get it over the line too. Overall, it’s just good news.

“When you see the club going in the right direction going forward, I think every player is excited by that.

“With the club going for a new stadium, it’d be silly not to be excited by that.”

Click here to sign up to the Oxford United newsletter (Image: Newsquest)

Reflecting on the 1-1 draw at home to Blackpool, Brown said: “In the first half, we were very good and controlled the game. In the second half, we started well and towards the end, invited them onto us.

“Collectively as a team, we dropped off towards the end, and we were trying to hold out, but we have done it a few times this season and held out.

“Collectively maybe we need to get higher up the pitch towards the end of the game.

“Against a team like that, a draw isn’t a bad result. It’s just the way the game’s gone and the way we’ve conceded in the last minute is a kick in the teeth.”