Oxford United’s new signing, Matt Green, says his move back to Oxford “ticks every box” – and has asked fans not to view him as a villain for leaving the club 12 months ago.

The 22-year-old striker, who on Monday rejoined United on a season-long loan from Torquay, admits he is excited by the prospect of lining up in a strong-looking squad that manager Chris Wilder has assembled for next season.

“People have got to let what happened happen,” he said. “I did get portrayed as if I was the Big Bad Wolf, going there for money and that sort of thing, but I’m back here and eager to do the right things for the club.

“The manager wasn’t pushing me out at Torquay, but I needed to be going somewhere now, to be playing more and where it was closer to my family, and Oxford ticks every box for me.

“There are so many great things going on at Oxford United, and it should happen this season. It’s down to me to come and do well, and for all of us to prove ourselves now.

“Last season, even though I wasn’t as much a part of Torquay’s squad as I would have liked, I still managed to have experience of getting promotion, and I want to come to Oxford and do the same.”

Green is relishing playing for Wilder, who he believes brings out the best in players.

“We’ve got a great manager behind us. I’ve heard so many great stories about him,” said the striker, who lives in Bristol, and is planning to move closer to Oxford for at least part of each week.

“I think the results speak for themselves really. From the moment he came here, he’s been almost flawless.”

Wilder stressed that Green was always the preferred choice to Kidderminster’s Matthew Barnes-Homer, who did not show the same desire to join Oxford United.

He said: “It’s not the case that he was second choice to Barnes-Homer, and people have got to believe me on this.

“We knew there was an opportunity of getting him as he wasn’t involved in the back end of last season at Torquay.

“With his desire to come in, the undoubted talent he’s got – and we think we can get a little more out of him – and the fact he can play wide as well is all good.

“The biggest thing of all, though, is that he’s a goalscorer.”