SEAN Clare’s move to Charlton Athletic suited all parties, says Karl Robinson.

The 24-year-old joined Oxford United’s Sky Bet League One rivals for an undisclosed fee yesterday, signing a two-year deal.

Clare was deployed at right back at the start of last season after arriving from Hearts, but struggled in an unfamiliar role.

Full story: Sean Clare joins Charlton Athletic

He returned to his favoured central midfield position when he joined Burton Albion on loan in January and had more success, delivering several high-energy displays to help The Brewers to League One safety.

Robinson had challenged Clare to prove his worth in the middle, but the competition for places meant player and club felt a change of scene was best.

The U’s head coach said: “It was the right thing to do for all of us.

“Sean came in, he worked hard and there’s a tremendous relationship between us moving forward.

“He felt for his development it was best he moved on - he wants to be an ‘8’.

“If you look at that position, we already have a load of players in that area - James Henry, Marcus McGuane, Cameron Brannagan.

“He goes with our wishes and our blessings.

“There’s no animosity whatsoever, he’s a talented young man who we hope really does well.”

Clare is the fourth player to leave the U’s for another team this summer, following Josh Ruffels, Rob Atkinson and Kyran Lofthouse out of the door.

Those departures, coupled with last season’s loan players returning to their parent clubs, mean United are light at the back and in wide areas just 17 days until the season begins.

Robinson has publicly said he wants two wingers, a left-sided centre-half and two left backs before the transfer window closes on August 31.

Karl Robinson: We're 'miles away' from a good team

A deal for a left back is still believed to be on track, while United have been heavily linked with a loan return for former winger Gavin Whyte.

Robinson added: “We’re still a long way off, there’s a few players that I still think we need.

“There are two other wingers we know we want, who are really good players.”