Oxford United have completed a major signing with the capture of striker Dave Kitson on a two-year deal. The former Reading striker arrives at the Kassam Stadium on a free transfer after being released by Division Three outlet Sheffield United last month.

The 33-year-old forward scored 12 goals in 32 starts for the Blades in League One last season, just missing out on promotion to the Championship after being defeated by Yeovil Town in the League One Play-Off semi-finals.

Standing tall at 6’ 3”, the ex-Stoke City and Portsmouth hitman will officially become a Us player on July 1 after putting pen to paper on a 24-month contract.

Kitson first burst onto the footballing scene at Cambridge United, scoring 40 goals in 97 league games. His impressive tally led to a big-money move to Berkshire rivals Reading after sealing a £150,000 move in 2003.

He helped bring Premier League football to the Madejski Stadium after gaining promotion with the Royals from the Championship, before moving to fellow top-flight side Stoke City in a deal worth £5.5m in 2008.

Kitson, whose family are already settled in the area, was delighted to rubber-stamp his move to United: “I had a number of clubs interested but the ambition and the set-up here at Oxford is excellent and there is a buzz about the club at the moment. It is a good club with a good manager and a very good squad.

“Oxford is the only League Two club that I considered because at this stage in my career I am looking to be part of a successful promotion campaign. I am looking forward to joining up with them for pre-season, working hard, and playing my part in what I am sure will be a very exciting few years for the club.”

Manager Chris Wilder echoed the striker’s thoughts: “Dave has a proven stature and has scored goals at the top level. He is very experienced and he makes goals for other people too. He is extremely fit, with the same hunger to do well and will be a positive influence in the dressing room, especially with the younger players. 

“As soon as we knew he was available he was my number one target for the summer. He had options in higher divisions but I think it speaks volumes for Oxford United and the way we do things here that he wanted to come and play for us. 
“We have strengthened what we considered a key area for the season ahead.”