Oxford united FC
Oxford United players issue statements after being released
The U’s announced their retained list on Monday, with 10 players set to leave OX4.
Przemysław Płacheta, Myles Peart-Harris, Hidde ter Avest, Owen Dale, Will Goodwin, Joshua Johnson, Jacob Knightbridge, Stephan Negru, Tom Bradshaw, and Stuart Findlay will all leave the club after their contracts expire this summer.
The Yellows squad has now decreased in number as they prepare for a return to League One following their relegation from the Championship.
Matt Bloomfield’s side finished 22nd after a two-year stint in the second tier.
After their departures was announced, first team regulars Placheta and Peart-Harris both issued farewell statements on social media.
Polish winger Placheta posted on Instagram, saying: “After two years, the time has come to say goodbye.
“I want to thank everyone connected with the club.
“Thank you for welcoming me and my family from the very beginning and making Oxford feel like home.
“There were beautiful moments and difficult ones too, but for all of them I am sincerely grateful. This chapter helped me grow not only as a footballer but also as a person. The experiences, lessons, friendships and memories created here will stay with us forever.
“To the fans – thank you for your support, passion and belief throughout everything. Wearing this badge was an honour.
“I wish everyone nothing but success in the future and I truly hope Oxford United will be back in the Championship very soon.”
Peart-Harris joined The Yellows from Brentford in the January transfer window on a contract until the end of the season.
On X, the midfielder said: “A chapter comes to an end. Thank you for all the support, love and memories. It’s been a pleasure representing this club and playing in front of you all. Wishing the club nothing but the best going forward.”
A chapter comes to an end. Thank you for all the support, love and memories. It’s been a pleasure representing this club and playing in front of you all. Wishing the club nothing but the best going forward! 💛 pic.twitter.com/kihWq51A55
— Myles Peart-Harris (@PeartHarris) May 11, 2026
Centre back Negru, who spent the season on loan at Bristol Rovers and then Tranmere Rovers, also bid farewell to the club.
On Instagram, the 23-year-old said: “My time at Oxford United has come to an end, and I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved for these unforgettable years. From the coaches and staff members, to every teammate I’ve shared the pitch with and the fans who have supported throughout – I’m truly grateful for the lessons, experiences, and moments this club has given me. I’ve made friendships and memories that will stay with me for life.
“It has been a real honour to represent this club and Oxford has played a huge part in my journey. I will always look back on my time here with pride. Thank you for everything.”
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
READ MORE: Ex-Oxford United goalkeeper Jacob Knightbridge joins Tottenham Hotspur
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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