Oxford United’s summer targets are all likely to be free agents, with Gary Waddock confident there is enough quality among the pool of players out of contract to improve the squad.

The close season is now into its fourth week, but the U’s have yet to complete a signing.

Room in the first-team squad has been freed up by releasing Deane Smalley, Sean Rigg and Scott Davies, along with loanees Ryan Williams, Nicky Wroe and David Connolly.

James Constable has followed them out of the exit door after turning down a new contract, while Tom Newey continues to consider his options.

While three players have been promoted from the youth team, Waddock is also looking elsewhere to bolster the ranks.

But the head coach, like many in Sky Bet League Two, will use the resources at his disposal on wages, rather than fees.

He said: “There are a lot of good players out there who are going to be out of contract.

“We will be able to pick up a couple of them, I’m sure.

“There’s no right and wrong way to do it, you’ve just got to get a group of players who are committed and determined to be successful.

“We were close this year, we need to get a little bit closer next year.”

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