Oxford United chairman Kelvin Thomas says the 12th Man fund, through which fans have helped to bring in three players this season, has been “simply fantastic”.

Anthony Tonkin is the latest to join the U’s thanks to the supporters’ initiative, which has paid for the left back’s transfer fee from Cambridge United.

Earlier in the season Jamie Cook joined from Crawley Town, and the 12th Man Fund also paid for Barnsley striker Onome Sodje’s loan stay at Oxford, though he has now returned to Oakwell.

Asked for his opinion of the 12th Man fund, Thomas said: “It’s just magnificent.

“There are no words to describe how good it has been for us, and what it’s been able to do.

“I think everyone remembers Cooky’s goal against Luton – that was almost worth the transfer fee itself.

“It enabled us to bring in Sodje and now it’s enabled us to bring in a very good left back, which is something I think all the fans identified we needed.

“With Stevie (Kinniburgh) going back, we needed some cover in that area, some quality to bring into our already strong defensive unit.”

The U’s chairman says it has been quite a change for the club to be able to pay out transfer fees to bring in the better players, when for years that hadn’t been an option.

“Tonkin has been described as the best left back in the league – that was in the Non-League Paper at the weekend – and to bring in someone of that experience and ability is only a positive.

“The bottom line is, when you want to bring the best footballers in to your football club, you’re going to have to pay,” said Thomas.

“There is a fee involved and we’ve used the 12th Man fund. We’ve worked very hard to make sure that we’ve got the resources to ensure we have a strong squad.”

Chris Davis, spokesman for the supporters’ fund, said: “The 12th Man is delighted to have contributed to Anthony’s signing at a crucial stage.

“He is an experienced, talented player who we are sure will do well.

“We’d like to thank all the supporters who have contributed £25,000 to the fund since its inception, a sum massively in advance of what was originally envisaged.”

l Inside United: Page 62