Joining Oxford was easy says latest recruit Newey

The defender signed a one year deal yesterday, although it is understood there is a commitment to review it midway through the season to consider an extension.

The club also confirmed midfielder Asa Hall had returned on a six-month loan from Shrewsbury Town, the club he joined from the U’s just over a year ago.

Newey was Scunthorpe’s first choice left back last season, making 49 appearances for the League One club, but was not offered a new deal.

There were several options on the table for the 30-year-old, with the U’s the clear front-runner after meeting Wilder.

He said: “The manager put his plans forward and it was something I was very interested in, I’m really happy to be here.

“I talked to a few other clubs, but I had heard good things from people like Johnny Mullins and Michael Raynes, which made it a pretty simple decision.

“I wouldn’t say this is a backward step, I’d probably say this is a bigger club than Scunthorpe. “It’s a club that is expected to do well – it’s what I expect as well.”

The former Leeds United trainee is not short of experience after clocking up more than 400 appearances during his career.

“My job is to defend but I’ll get forward and help out when I can,” he said. “I’ll put my head in where it hurts and you will get full commitment from me.”

A delighted Wilder said: “I’m very close to managers that have worked with Tom and players who have been teammates with him.

“He puts 100 per cent in, he wants to win and do well.

“He played 50-odd games in League One last year and I know a lot about him. “Asa gives us versatility right across the midfield four.

“In his final stint with us the performances were very good and hopefully we can get the same level out of him.”

OXFORD United will not play in the John-stone’s Paint Trophy first round after being given a bye.

The U’s will begin their campaign in round two, which will be held in the week comm-encing Oct-ober 7.