OXFORD United endured a fruitless transfer deadline day as their attempts to make late signings fell short.
Instead, the only moves were in the other direction, as Shandon Baptiste and Tariqe Fosu completed transfers to Brentford.
It netted the U’s a substantial seven-figure sum, but provided a low note to a window which had begun with great promise amid five signings.
Boss Karl Robinson admitted on Thursday the double departure would make their promotion push more challenging.
And a failure in their attempts to sign a right back or an extra striker adds to the difficulty, ahead of today’s Sky Bet League One clash at home to Blackpool.
That crowd could even include Baptiste and Fosu.
Robinson told United’s website: “They leave on good terms and I think it says a lot about this football club that they both want to come along to watch us against Blackpool.
“Everything has been done the right way and we look forward to seeing their careers continue to develop.”
Fosu, who had only signed last summer, tweeted: “I’d like to thank everyone at the club for all you’ve done for me at my short time there – I’ve developed into an even better player.
“Memories, staff, team mates and fans that I will always cherish. I wish the club nothing but the best.”
Baptiste had been at the club for almost five years, during which time he had experienced some huge highs and lows.
After recovering from dislocating his shoulder on three occasions, he also battled back from a ruptured cruciate knee ligament injury.
The latter came against Brentford in the FA Cup 12 months ago, just as the London club were weighing up a move.
Andy Whing, who coached the midfielder in the U’s youth team, said: “His personality and attitude have got him to where he is.
“I look at his passing now and it’s second to none, it shows how far you can go.”
United were pursuing options on the final day, but came up short.
A reported £200,000 bid to Kilmarnock for right back Stephen O’Donnell went nowhere, with the 27-year-old believed to want to stay in Scotland.
Boss Alex Dyer said: “He’s one of the best full backs in the country so we’re glad that he wants to stay.”
It was felt the other available options would not be an upgrade on what was already in the squad.
The targets in forward areas were believed to be reliant on other moves, which did not materialise.
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