Paul Wanless today finally put pen to paper to sign a one year contract for Oxford United, having eventually passed his medical and agree terms.

The midfielder has been playing for Cambridge United for the past seven seasons, after starting his career at Oxford in November 1991, ironically against Cambridge United. Fourteen appearances (plus 23 as substitute) and one goal later, in April 1995, he joined Lincoln where he spent a less than successful year, which included a loan spell at Woking. He then went on a free transfer to the Abbey where he made over 300 appearances and scored almost 50 goals.

It is unclear whether Wanless signing means the end of Atkins’ interest in Tommy Widdrington, or whether Widders will become the seventh player to join the club. Atkins has also hinted that he might be bringing in a defender on loan, but a lot depends on how much money Firoz Kassam is prepared to bung his way to strengthen the squad in a season that he expects United to be promoted automatically.