Eddie Anaclet is leaving Oxford United - and has signed a two-year deal with Stevenage Borough.

The right-sided player was offered a new contract by the U's after an impressive second half of the season, but he told the club last night that he would not be signing.

Signed by Jim Smith in the summer of 2006, Anaclet, who has played as right back and a right winger, has been a regular for the past two seasons, making 73 appearances after joining from Southampton.

Although the early part of last season was marred by injury, an impressive end to the campaign saw him offered a new deal.

U's manager Darren Patterson admitted he was disappointed that Anaclet will not be staying.

But he praised the player for making an early decision on his future.

"Eddie is a good lad and we'd have liked him to stay," Patterson said.

"We made him an offer, but he wants to try his luck somewhere else.

"He feels he needs a new challenge, so it looks as though he'll be moving on.

"We wish him well and hope it works out for him.

"At the same time we are talking to new players about joining us and having a definite decision so early from Eddie helps us firm up those plans."

Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace said: "It's no secret that (manager) Graham (Westley) has long been an admirer of Eddie and this is the sort of deal you miss if your management is not in place early.

"The boy has loved his time at Oxford, but felt it was time for a change and a fresh start.

"As he's under 24 and been offered re-engagement by Oxford, with whom we have an excellent relationship, I'll be contacting their chairman soon to agree a fee for the release of his registration."