OXFORD United have completed their second permanent signing of the summer with the capture of right back Tony McMahon.

The 32-year-old has spent the last three seasons at Bradford City, making 103 league appearances for the Bantams.

But when he was released earlier this summer, United boss Karl Robinson was quick to make his move.

The deal to sign the full back, who has a reputation as a set-piece specialist, had been agreed a few weeks ago, but was only formally completed last night.

Oxford Mail:

McMahon will compete with the other U’s permanent signing, Cameron Norman, for the right back role at United – seemingly ending any hope of bringing back Todd Kane, who ended last season in that position on loan from Chelsea.

“It was done a while ago, but it’s great to get it all finalised,” said Robinson.

“He got a huge number of assists last season and although he took set-pieces, he is a specialist at them which is another reason why I wanted him here.

“We have got Cameron Norman, who is very young and forward thinking but new to this level. And now in Tony we have got somebody who has been there, seen it and done it.

“When we met him, I wondered what his motivation was – and it was to get promoted. And he felt this was going to be his best opportunity.”

For McMahon, finalising his two-year deal brings some light to a dark few weeks.

He will join United’s squad for their pre-season tour to Ireland, but will fly out separately from the rest of the players.

“I came down a couple of weeks ago, spoke to Karl and he was very enthusiastic about where the club wanted to be and I wanted to be part of that,” he said.

“But it’s been a tough few weeks for me since then.

“I am in for a couple of days and then have a few days off because sadly my dad passed away recently, but Karl has been great about that.

“Shaun Derry (first team coach) has been texting too and has kept in regular contact – it’s little things like that which go a long way in a difficult time.”

He added: “It was a move I spoke about with my dad before he passed and he said ‘don’t mess it up’. So here I am and I will give it a real go.

“The funeral is Friday and Karl is letting me fly out on Monday.

“Once I get over the worst bit, which won’t be easy, I hope I can let the football do the talking and have a successful season to give my dad something to be proud of.

“I just want to get this week over and get back to work Monday and hopefully get a smile back on my face which I will when I am playing football.”