George Dugdale

Oxford United striker Deane Smalley has signed for Bradford City on a loan deal until the end of the season

The former Oldham man signed for United for an undisclosed fee on the back of a successful loan spell at Chesterfield during which Smalley scored 12 goals as the Spireites won promotion from Division Four.

Despite an impressive pre-season tour of America, Smalley has struggled to win a starting berth in Chris Wilder's team. Of the 23 year old's 26 Oxford appearances, only 10 were starts. Smalley scored twice, in the JPT fixture at Aldershot in October, as well as the second goal in the 2-0 victory over Northampton last month.

With Oxford now a striker light, we await news of a replacement with great anticipation…