TONY Capaldi says Oxford United have what it takes to mount a serious crack at promotion after agreeing a two-year deal.

Capaldi, 29, who played for Cardiff in the FA Cup final in 2008 against Portsmouth, said it took little time for him to make his mind up about leaving Morecambe and heading south.

He will become boss Chris Wilder’s first capture of the summer and says he is delighted to join a progressive club.

“I first heard of Oxford’s interest two or three weeks ago when I got a call from the manager (now ex-Morecambe boss Sammy McIllroy)” said Capaldi, whose contract expires with the Shrimps at the end of this month.

“I know Steve MacLean from our days at Cardiff and spoke to him. He told me he really enjoyed his time at Oxford and would love to stay if the wages could be sorted out.

“If he had told me anything different then I wouldn’t have agreed to join. It looks like an exciting challenge.

“I met Chris Wilder at Morecambe – I was staying at the same hotel as Oxford – and I know what he wants from his teams.

“I came to see Oxford play against Chesterfield and they played them off the park. They have got a very good set up here. The attendances they get are amazing.”

Capaldi, who was born in Norway – his dad is Norwegian – lived in Scandanavia for a year, but was brought up in Birmingham.

He joined the Blues after leaving school and later had spells at Plymouth, Cardiff, Leeds and Hereford, before joining Morecambe last season following his release by the Bluebirds.

But he says his career – he has made 267 appearances, scoring 12 goals in the process – had reached a plateau in the north west and he is looking for a new challenge.

Also able to play on the left side of midfield and a long-throw specialist, Capaldi added: “I didn’t really enjoy my time there (Morecambe), my career stalled, so I want to get it back on track at Oxford.

“I believe I can bring experience to the side. I like to play football and that’s what the manager’s philosophy is.”

Wilder added: “Tony brings undoubted quality and experience having played at a higher league level and internationally.

“I know he is determined to be successful in the latter part of his career.”