Sykes was one of three players – alongside Harry Cornick and Sam Morsy – to be released by the Robins last week after the appointment of new head coach Michael Skubala from newly-promoted Lincoln City.

The former Yellow left the club for the red side of Bristol in 2022 after making 136 appearances in OX4 during a three-year stint.

Sykes scored 11 times for Oxford and managed 21 assists, including the consolation goal in the U’s 2-1 League One play-off final defeat to Wycombe Wanderers in 2020.

He arrived at the Kassam in 2019 from semi-professional Northern Irish club Glenavon.

Mark Sykes playing for Oxford United (Image: David Fleming)

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The Republic of Ireland international went on to make 153 appearances for Bristol City, scoring 18 goals.

The 28-year-old has been linked with Championship sides Preston North End, Blackburn Rovers and Charlton Athletic but his next destination is still yet to be confirmed.

Sykes enjoyed his best season for Oxford back in 2021/22, before his move to Ashton Gate, scoring eight goals and bagging five assists, proving the club right in renewing his contract the year prior.

Taking to social media, the Belfast-born man said upon leaving the Robins: “[There are] a lot of moments that will stay with me forever. A place that really felt like home. Thank you to all who played a part in making it feel that way. It’s been a pleasure! Syksey.”

The U’s finished fourth in the National League South in the 2025/26 season behind champions Watford, Plymouth Argyle and AFC Bournemouth.

Liam Gilbert oversaw an upturn in form with Oxford since being reappointed as head coach in November.

Peterborough won promotion from the National League Division One Midlands – the fourth tier – last season, winning the league with an eight-point margin.

The Posh will travel to the MGroup Stadium, the home of Oxford City, for the pre-season clash.

The fixture will take place on Wednesday, June 15 with kick-off scheduled for 7:30PM.

📆 We will face Peterborough United in a pre-season friendly ahead of the new league season.

Join us at The MGroup Stadium on Wednesday 15th July with a 7:30pm kick-off.

🎟️ Tickets:
Adults – £4
Over 65/Mens Season Ticket Holders/NHS – £2.50
U18 – £1.50
U13 – £1.00
U7 – Free pic.twitter.com/HD6qXYCLyA

— Oxford United Women (@OfficialOUWFC) June 15, 2026

The U’s announced that four players had left the club at the end of last season in Holly Turner, Lucy Trinder, Maddison Millington-Stanbury and Maya Kendell.

Having retained a strong core of players, the Gilbert’s side added a star signing earlier this month with the addition of Sophie Quirk from rivals Bournemouth.

The 24-year-old scored a staggering 29 goals in 33 games for the Cherries last term and will add a new attacking threat to United who are keen to seriously compete for promotion next season.

Quirk said upon her arrival: “There is so much ambition in the Club and everyone has been so welcoming to me which makes me look forward.”

League One club Oxford had a bid rejected for the 22-year-old last month, according to Pete O’Rourke , with the Baggies and newly-promoted Championship side Lincoln City also seeing offers denied.

West Brom have since progressed in their talks for the centre forward and have reportedly reached an agreement to secure Stewart’s services.

The former Queens Park Rangers trainee scored 10 goals in 21 appearances for Falkirk in the second half of last season, with the Bairns finishing sixth in the Scottish top tier.

Celtic’s Julian Araujo (left) and Falkirk’s Barney Stewart battle for the ball during the William Hill Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

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He has visited Birmingham and accepted the opportunity to play for James Morrison’s side, according to @talkwba , with Stewart wanting the move.

Contract details are still to be finalised with the signing announcement to follow.

🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Agreement reached for Barney Stewart to Join West Bromwich Albion. 22yo visited Birmingham recently & accepted opportunity; contract set to be finalised – announcement to follow. Primary target throughout + wanted #wba move. W/ @EyaWeGew @WestBromXtra pic.twitter.com/6DJJUozR6I

— westbrom.fc (@talkwba) June 15, 2026

The SFWA Young Player of the Year had addressed transfer links previously, saying: “It is insane.

“If it was to happen it would be a massive step and a quick rise if it does happen and one I would have to take in my stride.”

Oxford currently have strikers Nik Prelec and Mark Harris on their books but supporters are keen to see the club add a more prolific goal scorer to the ranks.