Oxford today signed left-sided centre-back Jake Wright on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion until the end of the season. Wright, who was born shortly before United's Milk Cup triumph in 1986, played for Crawley Town last season, alongside Dannie Bulman and Jamie Cook, and joined the Seagulls at the start of this season.

Wright and Wilder are no strangers to each other, with United's manager bringing Wright to Halifax Town from Bradford City, first on loan for three months in 2005, and then permanently in the 2006 close season. He has played seven games for Albion this season, picking up two yellow cards in the process. Wright's arrival could cast some doubt over the futures of Rhys Day or Kevin Sandwith, especially as Wilder has made no secret of his desire to bring in another left back in January.