Eddie Newton has left Oxford United to join a club in China - with manager Denis Smith singing his praises.

"He did a super job for me," Smith said. "He's been good in the dressing room and a great example to the other players. We always knew he would only be with us until the end of the season, but we wish him well."

Smith, who was unaware of which Chinese club Newton was joining, added: "It's a shame, I didn't really have a chance to speak to him after Saturday's game at Millwall, but he has left us now."

Meanwhile, United's manager insisted there will not be a mass clear-out when the final list of retained and released players is announced. Goalkeeper Paul Lundin has already left and nine other players are out of contract.

Watson flew back to Canada yesterday, but Smith stressed he had not been told for definite. "The problem we've got with Mark is that he is liable to miss half of next season, according to a fax we have been sent by the Canada Soccer Association.

"Mark says this isn't quite right, that there's quite a few he doesn't have to play in, but it still seems he's going to miss a hell of a lot of Oxford games and that's a problem. It's something we're trying to sort out."

Smith, who has put out 'feelers' for one or two players who will be free agents this summer, is also looking to see whether United can sign Richard Knight from Derby. He spent much of yesterday trying to track down Derby boss Jim Smith.

"Feelers have been put out for one or two, but it's all going to come down to what we can afford," he insisted. "Last summer a lot of money was spent on certain players and that didn't work." The Oxford United players will report back for training on July 5 and they have a training week planned for the south coast from July 17-24 with the first game (opponents yet to be confirmed) on July 19.

There are also expected to be at least two pre-season games at the Manor.