Hearts expert on new Oxford United signing Frankie Kent

The 30-year-old joined the U’s on a free transfer after his contract expired in Edinburgh and is the first new face to arrive in OX4 in the summer transfer window.

Kent is also the first new addition under Aaron Ramsey after the Oxford head coach replaced Matt Bloomfield last week.

The ex-Peterborough United and Colchester United centre back has League One experience with the Posh before moving across the border in 2023.

The Oxford Mail spoke to Craig Cairns of the Hearts Standard to find out more…

Firstly, why did Hearts release Kent?

Hearts are going in a different direction, which means that players like Kent were always going to be moved on eventually. It is possible he would have left last summer but Derek McInnes was appointed as manager and he is the type of defender McInnes likes: no nonsense.

He probably thought he could make himself a regular but he could barely get in the team because of the form of Craig Halkett and Stuart Findlay.

Kent was the third choice for most of the season. He said this was the first time in his career he hasn’t been a regular starter.

Heart of Midlothian’s Frankie Kent during a training session (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

What are his best attributes?

He’s great in the air, though should score more goals, physical and good at 1v1 defending.

Where he lacks, and why he is no longer a Hearts player, is probably because of his ability on the ball. He isn’t terrible at it but Hearts have made a point of signing players more comfortable on the ball, including defenders.

Ready to get going! pic.twitter.com/VScVN7XLv7

— Oxford United (@OUFCOfficial) June 27, 2026

He seemed like a fan favourite at Hearts – what was it about him that fans loved?

The reason is he is so popular is that he always gave his all. He had poor days like everyone else but his attitude was never in doubt.

Imagine he would be easy to work with as well. In interviews he was always really nice. Just a top guy.

Emotional Heart of Midlothian players Cameron Devlin (left) and Frankie Kent (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)

Does a move back to League One with Oxford suit Kent? How do you think he will fare?

I can’t say I know too much about the style or standard in League One, but from what I can tell there are similarities in terms of physicality. There’s no doubt he’ll deal with that no problem and he came to Scotland with plenty of experience in England from his time at Peterborough.

Obviously there are no guarantees with any signing, but I am confident Kent will be a success.

He seems like a leader and is experienced at 30 years old? Has he still got enough left in the tank?

Heart of Midlothian’s Frankie Kent and Marc Leonard (right) (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

He’s definitely a leader.

Whenever Hearts’ vice-captain Halkett was unavailable, Kent was the back-up. Part of this was down to his leadership abilities.

And 30 is young in football now. I’m confident he’s still got at least a few years in him.