Oxford United's January transfer window rated

I will sound like a broken record by saying this yet again, but the big positive was holding on to key players.

Herbie Kane’s stay was confirmed early and was arguably the 'signing' of the window before it even began.

Read also: Karl Robinson's fitness update on Matty Taylor and Mark Sykes

Meanwhile, Blackpool would not give up their pursuit of Cameron Brannagan all month and United held firm to drive the price up - before rejecting the final bid anyway.

That shows the ‘big club mentality’ Karl Robinson wants to instil and must be repeated in the summer, whatever division the U's are in.

Dan Agyei and Joel Cooper had to move for the sake of their own careers, so the big exit was Jordan Thorniley.

His recall by Blackpool was disappointing, if not unexpected, which made recruiting a left-sided centre back imperative.

The fact that Ciaron Brown has played at wing back is a bonus and makes him a decent replacement for Thorniley.

United looked light in defence before deadline day, but the Cardiff City loanee’s arrival means they should have just enough numbers for the final 17 games.

Further forward, Oisin Smyth could play a part this season but is clearly one for the future, while getting Marcus Browne on a permanent deal is a statement of intent.

Karl Robinson: Oxford United have option to extend Elliott Moore's contract

That becomes an even better signing if he is effective as a striker, where I feel the U's are a little light - and I know they were trying hard to bring another one in before the deadline.

I see the argument for signing another holding midfielder as, like the reliance on Matty Taylor up front, United are dependent on Herbie Kane staying fit.

The injuries to Alex Gorrin and Jamie Hanson freed up a couple more spaces for those two positions, but it was not to be.

Still, with three in and three out the squad is about as good as it was on January 1.

For me, that was the main thing so I would give United's transfer window 7/10.