Oxford United

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Simon Heslop

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Heslop heads to Oxford

Blue Square Bet Premier side Oxford United have completed the signing of midfielder Simon Heslop from Championship outfit Barnsley.

A product of the Barnsley youth system, the 23-year-old spent the majority of his stay with The Tykes out on loan, including spells at Kidderminster, Luton, Grimsby and Halifax, where he played under current Oxford boss Chris Wilder.

Heslop was released by Barnsley at the conclusion of the 2009/10 season and has now been snapped-up by The U's.

"I enjoyed working with Chris when he was at Halifax and when I heard that Oxford were interested I jumped at the chance to work with him again," Heslop told the club's official website.

"It is a well run club, has great facilities and good players and I see this as a very exciting opportunity. I can't wait for pre-season now and a chance to help the club build on the success they enjoyed last season."

Chairman Kelvin Thomas expressed his delight at securing Heslop's services.

"We are pleased to secure Simon's services. He is an excellent player and the encouraging thing about him signing is that he was made bigger financial offers at other clubs but wanted to come here.

"He enjoyed a very successful loan spell at Luton last season and they were keen to secure his signing, however Simon wanted the opportunity to play in the Football League and we were pleased to be able to offer him that chance."