Oxford united FC
Former Oxford United keeper signs deal with Aston Villa
Garthwaite joined the U’s on trial at Under-9 level before signing permanently for the academy in January 2019.
After working his way through the age groups, Premier League giants Aston Villa in 2023 with the two clubs agreeing compensation.
The Oxford-born keeper began his footballing journey at Oxfordshire club Carterton Town before joining the U’s academy and is of English and Zimbabwean heritage.
He has been involved in both England and Zimbabwe national team training camps over the past couple of years.
Garthwaite has also already been offered a professional contract which he will sign on his 17th birthday.
United’s head of football development, Steven Kinniburgh, told the Oxford Mail: “It’s amazing to see another young player who started his football journey with our academy sign a scholarship with a Premier League club.
“This shows the strength of the full pathway at Oxford United academy and the great work being done behind the scenes.
“I am personally delighted for Jayden and his family, I look forward to watching his career develop in years to come.”
Jayden’s father, Leigh, also spoke to the OM, detailing his pride on his son’s brilliant achievement.
“We’re incredibly proud of Jayden,” he said.
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“Only a very small percentage of young players make it to this stage, so to earn a Premier League scholarship is a fantastic achievement.
“It’s the result of years of hard work, sacrifice, self-belief and commitment from Jayden. We’re proud not just of what he’s achieved, but of the person he’s become.
“Jayden has always been extremely driven. Even from a young age, his dedication, discipline and willingness to work hard have stood out. He knows that signing a scholarship isn’t the end goal—it’s just the next step in his journey.”
Garthwaite’s father also detailed the influence of the U’s on the youngster’s budding career.
“Oxford United played a huge part in Jayden’s development.
“They gave him the platform to play and perform week in, week out, while also teaching him important life skills that have helped shape him both as a footballer and as a young man.
“Those foundations have helped him progress to where he is today.”
The young shot-stopper recently played in the DEBRA Charity Cup organised by former Liverpool legend Graeme Souness and held at Oxford City.
Garthwaite has a history of participating in charity work and, at the early age of 11 whilst withing the U’s academy, walked 100 kilometres in a month to raise awareness for mental health.
He was recognised at the time by former Premier League goalkeeper Chris Kirkland who had inspired Jayden by backing the ‘Walking is Brilliant’ campaign during lockdown.
The summer-long saga has felt more like a decade and surely head coach Aaron Ramsey has felt the same after enduring the ritual of being asked about Mills’ status on a weekly basis.
After missing the U’s first pre-season friendly, the winger scored in the second, a 2-1 win over Barnet, and featured in the following couple.
He then missed out in the first competitive game of the season, a 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat at Leyton Orient, before a move to PNE was confirmed by Ramsey ahead of the League One opening day, but not until January.
Mills messaged his boss requesting not to play in the 2-2 opening day home draw with MK Dons before coming off the bench to assist Gatlin O’Donkor in the Yellows’ 2-1 win at Stevenage.
That would prove to be the 22-year-old’s final display in a United shirt, the young attacker showing little enthusiasm upon Oxford taking the lead in Hertfordshire, hinting that his head had certainly been turned.
“I’ve known about it all summer and from the start I’ve wanted to be here, wanted to get going as a Preston player and now it is official.”
Mills’ first words as a Lilywhites player say it all.
Considering the former Everton man has never scored more than three goals in a senior season, my personal opinion was that a January move would be ideal for all parties.
In an ideal world, Oxford would keep a star player for six months, Mills could get his numbers up as a standout player in a weaker league and PNE would get an in-form winger through the doors in the new year.
READ MORE: Ramsey says Mills departure ‘best solution’ for Oxford United
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But patience is a rare virtue in football these days and off goes the winger to Lancashire.
So, what now for United?
The U’s are without a recognised right-sided midfielder – young Aidan Elliott-Wheeler could be considered – and remain under a temporary transfer embargo.
Aidomo Emakhu has played on the right so far this season and has offered some outlet but he does look much more comfortable in his more natural position on the right.
Then there is 17-year-old Mo Missanga, a youngster who helped change the tide on the opening day against MK Dons and who has excited supporters and the U’s boss alike.
Ramsey has hinted that the Yellows are searching for solutions, and it is understood that a loan transfer where Oxford do not pay any share of the player’s wages could be a way of bringing a player in before Tuesday’s deadline.
Given the circumstances, it will be difficult to replace the ability of Mills but there is certainly a sense of relief that this saga is over.
Now it is time to focus on the football and maintain a strong league position heading into January.
Oxford United have signed Wales international Kai Andrews on loan from Premier League side Coventry City until January.
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Oxford United head coach Aaron Ramsey has insisted that Stanley Mills’ departure for Preston North End was ‘the best decision’.
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