OXFORD United’s squad will remain unchanged for the rest of the season following Armand Gnanduillet’s arrival, according to head coach Michael Appleton.

The striker was brought in from Chesterfield on Monday and became the 37th player used by the U’s this season when he came on as a substitute during Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with Morecambe.

The loan window is open until March 26 but, barring an injury crisis, the existing group will stay intact for the final dozen games of the Sky Bet League Two campaign.

When asked whether Gnanduillet would be the last signing this season, Appleton said: “Yes, unless there’s some emergency that needs to be dealt with.

“I’d be surprised if there’s any more ins and outs.

“I’ve said to the players we’ve got a tight-knit unit now as a group and it’s important we work together going from now until the end of the season and I’m sure we’ll do that.”

If correct, it brings an end to a turbulent eight months in the transfer market since Appleton was brought in as part of changes at boardroom level.

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A lack of time to assemble the squad he wanted before the summer transfer window shut in September meant a succession of loans have been used.

In total 22 players have been brought in since the summer, with nine no longer at the club.

An additional four members of the squad inherited by Appleton have moved on, making 35 player movements – not including players like Max Crocombe and John Campbell loaned out elsewhere.

Appleton has always viewed it as a necessity this season, but intends the high degree of churn to be a one-off.

“It is an incredible figure,” he said.

“It will never happen again while I’m here because we’ll be in a much more sensible, organised position from a recruitment point of view.”

With the squad due to be in place until the summer, the U’s boss hopes it will allow a much more settled side during the run-in.

He said: “That’s the idea.

“It’s still a small group, probably one of the smallest in the division, especially if you count the number of young players in the team.

“That includes Ruffs (Josh Ruffels) and George Baldock, people who have 50-plus games under their belts.

“When you add to that the likes of (James) Roberts, (Callum) O’Dowda and (Josh) Ashby, there’s a good mix.”