Hearts defender joins Oxford United as first summer signing

Experienced defender Frankie Kent joins Oxford United with 13 years of league football behind him, and more than 400 appearances across Colchester United, Peterborough United and recently in Scotland with Heart of Midlothian.

The 30-year-old is a commanding and physical centre-back who proved himself as a League One pedigree when he won promotion with Peterborough in 2021.

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Meanwhile last season, Kent helped Hearts secure a second-place finish in the Scottish Premiership.

Speaking about joining United, he said: “This is a very exciting move for me to be joining a club with a clear ambition for success. 

Kent celebrating scoring for Heart of Midlothian during the William Hill Premiership match at Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh. (Image: Andrew Milligan)

“I’ve had very positive conversations with people at the club, and I am confident I can use my experience to drive standards, not just on the pitch but off it as well.

“I understand the demands of this league, and I return to England a much better player and leader following three fantastic years in Scotland.

“I’ve come here to help push this club forward, and I’ll do everything I can every day to help us improve and achieve our ambitions.”

Newly appointed head coach Aaron Ramsey said he’s ‘delighted’ with the first signing under his leadership.

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Mr Ramsey said: “I had very positive conversations with the club before arriving about the business we wanted to complete this summer, and I’m delighted we’ve moved quickly to bring in a player of Frankie’s quality and character.

Aaron Ramsey said he’s ‘delighted’ with the first signing under his recent appointment as head coach (Image: Oxford United)

“As a player, Frankie is a dominant, aggressive defender who is comfortable in possession, and his profile fits exactly how we want this team to play. 

“As importantly, Frankie embodies the values we want to hold throughout the football club.

“He’s someone who will raise the standards and push to help create the elite environment we strive for. 

“As a first signing, it’s a real statement for us. We’re bringing in someone who can make an immediate impact both on the pitch and within the group.”

Head of football operations Ed Waldron last week said himself, the new head coach and the club are ‘aligned on what we think the squad needs’, saying they’re ready to ‘get deals done’.

Following the signing announcement, Mr Waldron added: “Frankie is a player we’ve admired for a long time, dating back to his time at Colchester when he regularly came up against Oxford United.

“Scotland is a market we monitor closely and, throughout his time at Hearts, Frankie has consistently been one of the league’s standout defenders.

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“Our recruitment process combines detailed data analysis with extensive live scouting, and Frankie stood out in every aspect.

“Equally importantly, our background work highlighted the qualities he brings away from the pitch.

“He’s a strong personality, a natural leader and exactly the type of character we want in the building, so we’re delighted to welcome him to Oxford United.”