KARL Robinson says Stuart Findlay turned down a move to the second tier in order to complete a move to Oxford United.
The 26-year-old centre back has been a long-term target for U’s boss Robinson, who first tried to bring Findlay to the club in 2019.
Last night, United were finally able seal a move for Findlay, who penned a four-year deal after joining from Major League Soccer club Philadelphia Union for an undisclosed fee.
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Robinson said: “I was desperate for him, I just couldn’t afford him – he was way out of our price range.
“We didn’t have the clout. We have now.
“It’s a big signing, he’s a full international.
“He’s played in the Championship, he had a Championship move on the cards.
“He felt coming here and developing with a team was something that really excited him.
“He feels that coming here he’ll have a chance of playing for Scotland again – it’s still well within his grasp.”
SEE ALSO: Late goals see Oxford United slip to 3-0 defeat at home to West Brom
On what Findlay will bring to the heart of the U’s defence, Robinson said: “You’re signing a player in their mid-20s with loads of experience.
“He’s athletic and a speed merchant as a defender, and that’s a big thing.
“We felt like we were lacking because Luke’s [McNally] speed got us out of trouble.”
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