Left-back Greg Leigh has completed his permanent move to Oxford United, signing a two-year deal.

The switch, for an officially undisclosed fee, had been expected following the Blues’ recruitment of Brandon Williams from Manchester United.

“It’s exciting,” Leigh told Oxford’s official website. “I’ve played against Oxford a few times now and they are always really good on the ball and looking to get on the front foot.

“I met with Liam Manning and he talked me through where the club sees itself not just this year but in the future, and that really sold it to me. I can’t wait to be involved.”

Oxford boss and former Town academy midfielder and coach Manning added: “Greg is a really accomplished left-back and a terrific character. He brings that balance down the left, has had success at this level and knows the division.

“With Ciaron Brown doing so well there we now have serious competition in that position, which will be another big positive for us.”

Ed Waldron, the U’s head of recruitment, continued: “Greg has power, a natural physicality to his game and is someone we identified a while back.

“He likes to get forward, but he also understands the defensive side of playing at left-back. He has such a positive personality and we are really happy to have got the deal done.”

Leigh joined Town in the summer of 2022 after leaving Morecambe and was an important and popular member of the squad, but with his league starts limited to only four due to the form of Leif Davis.

In addition to those four League One starts, Leigh made 12 sub appearances and six cup starts, scoring one goal.

Meanwhile, former Blues loanee Tyreece John-Jules is reportedly close to joining League One Derby County on loan from parent club Arsenal.

Photo: Gepa Pictures

Whos_blue added 19:39 - Aug 24 The right thing for all parties. I wish Greg nothing but success in his future. Oxford are getting a great pro.
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kiwiblue added 19:43 - Aug 24 Best of luck at Oxford always thought you could step up when needed for us, seems there is an improved player in you and sure you will learn from our coaching. Will watch your results.
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NthQldITFC added 19:55 - Aug 24 It says a lot for the progress of Ipswich Town that we can afford to let a player of Greg's ability and character move on. More importantly today, in case you're reading, thank you so much Greg for your time and efforts here. You didn't get as many chances to play as you could have done, but you were superb in every chance you did get. Good luck to you and to Oxford. Top man.

5

Edmundo added 20:21 - Aug 24 Good luck Greg. Hell of a player who just had a future international star ahead of him. Prove them all wrong and see you in the Championship next season (although hopefully we'll be up again!)
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Portman_Pie added 21:09 - Aug 24 Good luck Sir - I hope you get consistent game time as you deserve - I’m sure there will be loads of us at PR looking out for Oxford and Mannings boys with fingers crossed. I hope Oxford make something special of your initiation song Greg - on their social media - it could potentially go viral…!!! Hope you’ve enjoyed ITFC as much as collectively we’ve enjoyed your efforts when called on. Best of luck fella’

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Davidwb20 added 21:45 - Aug 24 I can only echo the majority of comments - Sad to see you go Greg. Oxford are getting a very accomplished player with a great attitude. You never let us down amd I enjoyed watching you play whenever you played. Good luck!
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paris_mitchell_in_oz added 22:32 - Aug 24 A genuine sense of sadness within these posts; and rightly so. Always rock solid when called upon. Great aquisition for Oxford.
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BurleysGloryDays added 00:13 - Aug 25 Legend. Always played so well, never let us down. He’ll be missed around the club, maybe he’ll join the ranks of those that settle in the area one day. Welcome any time!
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churchmans added 00:20 - Aug 25 He is a great player! Oxford will benefit greatly
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Dissboyitfc added 07:23 - Aug 25 Lots of love on here for GL and rightly so, the guy wants more for football and with more quality coming into the club moving on is right for all parties! Good luck Greg! It takes some doing but turning this sorry into a negative one wasn't impossible, as someone proved!
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Lukeybluey added 08:11 - Aug 25 All the best Greg! Shame to see him go. Always felt safe when we need shoring up at the back with 20 minutes to go and Greg comes on, never let the side down. Can't question someone who wants first team football, and he was never going to get ahead of Leif and now Williams too imo. But Oxford have now got a decent left back. Cheers for your hard work!
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Orraman added 13:57 - Aug 25 Blueboy - yes it is one in and one out but what a substantial upgrade Williams would appear to be. In addition, due to limits on the size of registered squads, it is inconceivable to keep adding players to the squad. If there are to be more additions before deadline day then they too will be balanced by departures.
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Orraman added 14:03 - Aug 25 Blueboy - yes it is one in and one out but what a substantial upgrade Williams would appear to be. In addition, due to Football League restrictions on squad sizes, any further additions during this transfer window will have to be balanced by departures unless they fall within the strict age guidelines.
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carlo88 added 18:47 - Aug 25 Just seen the welcome video he did for OUFC, he really does come over as a lovely and intelligent person. I imagine he'll be missed in the dressing room.
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