Oxford United announced today that they have signed 28-year-old midfielder Lee Fowler. The former Kettering Town player was a free agent, having been released by the Poppies three days ago, allegedly because he was having problems travelling from his Cardiff home.

Fowler has made 18 appearances for Kettering this season, having signed from Forest Green Rovers in July, and scored one goal. He had prior history with United, having been sent off while playing for Huddersfield Town against the Us in a 1-1 draw at the McAlpine Stadium, or whatever it was called then, in December 2003, when Julian Alsop also saw red.

We are still anticipating a further signing during the January transfer window, in addition to Franny Green, another ex-Kettering man, who will allegedly sign permanently this month. The rumours linking United with Cambridge United left back Anthony Tonkin remain strong, although Cambridge have denied receiving any approach for him. It is clear that left back is a position that needs strengthening, and it is unlikely that Steven Kinniburgh will return. However, Wilder is just as likely to sign someone totally unexpected, so all rumours and speculation should be treated with vile contempt until proven true.