JOE Bennett is looking to get back to playing his best football after a couple of turbulent years at his previous club.

The 33-year-old left back has signed for Oxford United until the end of January, having spent the last two seasons at Wigan Athletic.

Off the field issues have blighted the Latics in recent years, who still managed to win the Sky Bet League One title during the 2021/22 campaign, Bennett’s first season with the club.

Last year though, the club finished rock bottom of the Championship and were deducted three points after failing to pay player salaries.

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After joining the U’s, Bennett said: “I’ve watched Oxford numerous times this season, and they’re a good, young team that are doing well and looking to get promoted.

“I thought it was ideal for me to come in. Obviously, Greg’s [Leigh] injured so lacking a bit in that left back position. I’m happy to be here and ready to kick on.

“Greg’s been doing really well this season, so hopefully I can come in and continue that if I’m in the team and when the manager needs me.

“I’ve been keeping fit and running a lot just in case something popped up like this. I’ve trained a couple of times with the lads and I’m feeling good, so hopefully in the next few games, I can get involved.

“I just want to get back to playing some really good football. It was tough at Wigan in the last couple of years with on and off the field stuff.

“This is a club that’s settled, has a good training ground, good stadium, good fans, and that was all a massive pull for me.

“I want to play Saturday, but it might be a little bit too soon for me, as I’ve only been training this week.”

Oxford Mail:

Discussing how the move come about, Bennett said: “The club contacted my agent and said there’d been a couple of injuries at left back and right back.

“I’ve not played right back before, but I’m open to helping the manager in whatever way he wants.

“If I do well, they said to possibly do something after that, so we’ll take it how it comes.”

On his style of play, Bennett added: “I’m an attacking full back and I like to get forward, which is something Greg’s been doing.

“I just want to follow on from that, and hopefully get some assists and some goals as well.”