New Keeper Simon Eastwood said he is looking to make an immediate impact at Oxford United after signing from Huddersfield Town on a two-year contract.
The 20-year-old, 6’2” keeper was an England Under 18 and England Under 19 international who joins the U’s both to add cover for Ryan Clarke, and to challenge him for the No 1 goalkeeping jersey at the Kassam Stadium.
He becomes manager Chris Wilder’s fifth capture of the summer, joining Steven Kinniburgh, Asa Hall, Alfie Potter and Ben Purkiss.
“It’s a fresh start for me,” said Luton-born Eastwood.
“I can start again now, come down here and hopefully make a big impact straight away.
“That’s what I’ve come down here to do – to play every week and I’ll be fighting for the first-team shirt.
“I know it’s not going to be easy because Ryan Clarke had a very good season last season, but it’s a challenge for me.
“I’m good enough and ready to do that.
“I played for Bradford last season and thought I did well, and am just looking for a fresh start.”
Eastwood had a year remaining on his contract at Huddersfield but was made available for transfer by boss Lee Clark, where first-team opportunities are hard to come by because he has the highly-rated Alex Smithies.
He made one first-team appearance for the Terriers, but was loaned out to Bradford City for the first half of last season and played 22 League Two games for them, and 28 appearances in all competitions.
He had also made 16 appearances for Woking in the Conference the previous season.
A delighted Wilder said: “He is only a young lad, but he’s hungry to do well and we’re sure he'll prove a valuable asset.”
There is no fee, but because he was under contract and under 24 there is an agreed compensation for development by way of a sell-on clause.
Eastwood, who has never before played at the Kassam Stadium, was impressed by the facilities and the quality of the pitch which yesterday looked exceptional once more.
He returned to Huddersfield in January and became a valuable member of the squad throughout a successful second half of the season which saw the Yorkshire club reach the League One play-offs where they lost to eventual winners Millwall.
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