Oxford United have announced they have offered new deals to goalkeeper Max Crocombe and striker Tyrone Marsh. Both 19 years of age, they are highly regarded as the clubs brightest young stars, with United taking up the option of a further year on their current deals.

Crocombe kept an impressive three clean sheets in the final three games of the season, snatching the Yellows’ number one jersey from Luke McCormick whilst Ryan Clarke remains sidelined. Meanwhile, Marsh scored his first senior goal for the Us earlier this year in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy against Southend United. He enjoyed an end of season loan stint at Staines Town, scoring nine goals in 16 appearances before being recalled for United’s 3-0 away win at Accrington Stanley last Saturday.

Both youngsters have had a clause in their contact activated to keep them at the Kassam Stadium for a further 12 months, with the intention to discuss longer terms over the summer. With the addition of Crocombe and Marsh, it means Oxford’s first-team squad for next season will include five youth graduates after David Lynn, Sam Long and Callum O’Dowda signed professional deals last month.

United Boss Chris Wilder was delighted to have kept the young duo: “Max and Tyrone have both done well this season and deserve their chance. They have worked at their game, listened to the right people and shown a lot of maturity. We are pleased that they will be part of the first team squad next season”.

Meanwhile Max Crocombe was grateful for his chance; “It has been a fantastic year, both Ty and I have learnt so much and want to keep pushing on and improving as players.

“With Callum O’Dowda, Sam Long and David Lynn also being offered professional contracts the club is putting a lot of faith in developing young players and we want to reward the confidence they are showing us by helping the team push for promotion next season”.