Oxford United in double swoop (From The Oxford Times)

Oxford United in double swoop

8:50am Wednesday 1st February 2012 in Sport

Oxford United boss Chris Wilder completed a busy transfer deadline day by signing former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Mark Wilson and Wycombe striker Scott Rendell.

Wilson, 33 later this month, has joined on a permanent deal from the Championship side, and Rendell, 25, has signed on loan until the end of the season from the League One outfit.

Rendell, who netted 19 goals in 43 appearances as the Chairboys gained promotion to League One last season, including one in the 2-2 draw at the Kassam Stad-ium, said he was relishing his new challenge.

“It’s a good opportunity to come to a big club like Oxford, to play some games, and get them back to winning and helping them get promoted,” he said.

“Last season (at Wycombe) was brilliant, winning promotion and finishing as top scorer.

“This year hasn’t worked out, for some unknown reason. But that’s why I’ve come here – to get back to playing football again and start scoring some goals again.

“Hopefully, I can get my head down, work hard and get another League Two promotion under my belt.”

Wilson, who spent five years at Manchester United before signing for Middlesbrough for £1.5m and later joining Rovers, is also looking forward to the next chapter in his career.

“One of the main reasons for coming here was to try and help the club get promotion,” said Wilson, who had a loan spell at Walsall earlier in the season.

“You can see from the outside it’s a club growing in momentum.

“I’ve been at a club that has gone from strength to strength, which was great to be a part of, and hopefully, the same can happen here. I’m looking forward to it.”

Asked about his qualities. he said: “I’d rather let people make their own judgement, it’s nice to come here with a blank canvas.

“I am massively excited coming here. It’s two leagues down, but I see it as an opportunity to get on board a club that is moving in the right direction.”

Wilder was delighted with the capture of Rendell, saying: “He’s got a decent goalscoring record, he’s a good age and technically he’s a very good player.

“I know a lot about him, having watched him for the past four or five years.”

Assistant manager Mickey Lewis said of Wilson: “He’s a good footballer, who has played at a really good level with Middlesbrough and big clubs.

“He’s been at Doncaster, and you don’t get in their side unless you are a good footballer.

“He’s a really fit boy as well. He’s very athletic and is a very good signing for us.”