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.”

Stan Mills has joined Preston (Image: Jason Dawson)

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.

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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.

Oxford United’s Stan Mills celebrates Ciaron Brown’s goal against Preston North End (Image: Gary Oakley/PA Wire)

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.