Rigg persuaded by Oxford United ambition (From The Oxford Times)

Rigg persuaded by Oxford United ambition

9:30am Wednesday 23rd May 2012 in Sport By Mark Edwards , Sports Editor. Call me on 01865 425451

OXFORD United’s prospects of promotion next season convinced Sean Rigg to become the club’s first signing of the summer yesterday.

The forward joined the U’s on a two-year deal, turning down a new contract at Port Vale and interest from two other clubs.

Rigg was immediately attracted to United when he received an approach shortly after the end of the season and is focused on helping them into npower League One in 12 months’ time.

He said: “The manager didn’t really have to sell the club to me.

“It’s obviously a great ground, they get a lot of fans here and I think they’re doing things right.

“They’re on an upward curve and I want the same thing as Chris (Wilder) – that’s to get promotion.

“It will be a hard season, but I think we’ll do well and hopefully we’ll get there.”

The 23-year-old netted ten goals for Vale in npower League Two this season, the first time he has reached double figures in a campaign.

He is already looking to set a new personal best next season.

“I feel like I’m improving every season and fortunately I had a good one this year, but there’s always room to improve,” he said.

“I want to do that here and I’m sure I’ll get the coaching to do so.”

Goalscoring was United’s Achilles’ heel as they just missed out on the play-offs this season and Wilder is hoping the new addition, who was one of his top targets, will help to rectify the problem.

He said: “Sean’s a creator as well as a finisher and if we create the amount of chances that we did this season I’ll be looking for him to kick on from ten goals.

“If that’s the difference between where we are and where we can be, that’s great.”

The United boss had been keeping tabs on the former Bristol Rovers trainee for several years and has been encouraged by Rigg’s attitude in negotiations.

He said: “Sean’s shown a great desire to come and talk.

“We’ve had players when we spoke the first thing they talk about is money and that’s not how we roll.

“When you speak to them, you get a feel for how they’re going to be and if they’re going to add quality.

“Sean’s a positive guy from the first moment I met him.

“We’ve done our homework on his character and I think the supporters will enjoy watching him because he’s definitely got ability.”