Yesterday saw the introduction of three new faces as Oxford United strengthened their squad with three new signings. Lewis Montrose, Justin Richards and Josh Parker all committed their immediate future to the club as Chris Wilder addressed the lack of numbers in his squad.

Former Queens Park Rangers winger Parker has signed a deal until the end of the season after making three substitute appearances for the Yellows since signing on non-contract terms back in mid-December.

The second addition is a familiar face as Richards puts pen to paper on a one-month loan deal from Burton Albion. The 32 year-old Brewers forward comes in whilst talisman James Constable is banned for four matches, with attackers Jon-Paul Pittman and Deane Smalley also remain sidelined with long-term injuries. It’s his second spell at the Kassam Stadium, having spent the second half of the 2007/08 on loan at the Us where he netted once in 15 matches.

The experienced Richards has fallen down the pecking order at the Pirelli Stadium as impressive duo Calvin Zola and Billy Kee deny him from many first-team opportunities; whilst summer signing Matt Paterson, who was nearly brought to United before the beginning of this season, is also preferred ahead of the forward. He has just one goal to his name so far this season after being limited to four starts, but goes straight into the squad to face Sheffield United in Oxford’s FA Cup third round tie at home today.

Meanwhile, Oxford have also completed the capture of Gillingham midfielder Montrose on a four month loan. The 24 year-old has made 18 appearances for Martin Allen’s side this campaign, scoring twice for the league leaders. He began his career at Wigan Athletic before joining Wycombe Wanderers in 2009 to make 50 appearances for the Chairboys.

Unfortunately the Gills midfielder won’t be involved in United’s FA Cup tie against the Blades or the Yellows Johnstone Paint Trophy area semi-final tie against Southend United on Tuesday after he is cup-tied in both competitions. Valley Parade is likely to be the setting for Montrose’s debut when United visit Bradford City in the league on the 12th.

With impressive loanees Jake Forster-Caskey and Lee Cox this week returning to their parent clubs Brighton & Hove Albion and Swindon Town respectively, Us boss Chris Wilder was eager to snap up replacements for the duo, with Simon Heslop also returning from suspension this week.

Wilder said; “Justin is a strong lad who scores his share of goals and also holds the ball up well and brings other people into the game. With James Constable out for the next few games we needed an experienced player upfront and he fits the bill very well.

“It is an extraordinary situation with suspensions and injuries and on this occasion a month’s loan suits us and the player perfectly.

“Lewis as played over 100 games and is a very good player at this level. We wanted to add a midfielder to strengthen the department and we are fortunate to be able to bring in someone of Lewis’s quality.

“Josh is someone we are willing to take a chance on and he deserves a chance to show what he can do over a longer period where he can get himself really fit and we can work with him” added Wilder.

e bgH