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

stiffy501 added 16:08 - Aug 24 Never let us down, sorry to see the lad go, good luck n thanks Greg !!
32

Suffolkboy added 16:10 - Aug 24 Best of good luck ! Enjoy your football,do well again ! COYB
19

Flight_of_Shefki added 16:11 - Aug 24 This is great news for Greg, but a sad day really - I really rate him. Thanks for your service, I'm sure the Blue Army wish you well going forward.
19

Churchman added 16:16 - Aug 24 Good luck Greg. Top bloke and a good player too.
18

itfcskayman added 16:18 - Aug 24 Completely understandable move. He’s too good to not be playing, always reliable when he was needed. I think the Williams is more than just cover for Davis. He’s right footed so playing on the right will be no problem. It can free up Jackson in his natural position and maybe even Burns in one the slots behind the striker… lots of possibilities, a very versatile squad

6

cressi added 16:25 - Aug 24 Good Luck to Greg Leigh. A player who did a good job when called upon, But the ceiling with Clarke, Davis and Williams is so much higher to get promoted you have to improve.
5

blueplumber added 16:26 - Aug 24 Liked him a lot. Best of luck. Too good to not play I suppose at his stage in career
10

Foreverdon_Blue added 16:27 - Aug 24 This is a shame as Greg was a good player but understandable he wants to play much more regularly. Good luck at Oxford!
6

Nigeglos added 16:39 - Aug 24 If you look at the history of Bristol city, most deals were an undisclosed fee. It's the way Ashton chooses to operate. All the best to greg
0

Linkboy13 added 17:09 - Aug 24 Yes a decent league one full back and a very popular bloke hope it works out well for him at Oxford United.
2

YobRotcart added 17:13 - Aug 24 Sorry to see you go Greg. But we all know that you need to play and I hope you get the regular run in the team at OUFC that you deserve. They're lucky to have you. Let us know when your album comes out!
3

BrockleyBlue78 added 17:18 - Aug 24 Good luck Greg, sad to see you leave, very committed and enthusiastic player who we perhaps didn’t get to see the best of.
4

Bazza8564 added 17:19 - Aug 24 I wish him well, hes done the right thing. But the bottom line is that we have a player (with an option to buy Ive seen elsewhere) who is from Man Utd, 22 years old and we've sold a player at 28. Good luck greg I hope you get lots of football and do really well
2

thevoiceofreason added 17:28 - Aug 24 The only thing that Greg did wrong in his time at Portman Road was to sign in the same transfer window as Leif Davis. He never let us down but was behind an immovable object. I hope it goes well for him at Oxford. It also seems that all this was handled impeccably so another reason to feel proud of the Town.
9

gosblue added 17:37 - Aug 24 Nice steady player. Very dependable. It shows how far we have come to be able to let a player of his calibre go.
4

ArnieM added 17:42 - Aug 24 Good luck Greg, you’re a great player and they’re lucky to get you. You’ll be missed by Town fans.
5

ChrisFelix added 17:47 - Aug 24 I hope he likes playing in fog !!!!
1

GenericIpswichMan added 17:51 - Aug 24 Good Luck Greg, Never let us down. In fact I can't recall one incident where he was beaten in the air!! Sad to see you go but ultimately in the long run the best move for all parties. No doubt he will flourish at league one level.
3

Westy added 17:51 - Aug 24 Always thought Greg Leigh was a decent player. Maybe a little unlucky not to get more games
1

Wonky added 18:10 - Aug 24 Good luck Greg. We rate you personally and professionally.
3

Vancouver_Blue added 18:14 - Aug 24 Good L1 footballer but was never going to replace LD. Good luck to you Greg
1

PortmanTerrorist added 18:18 - Aug 24 I get it, and wish Greg well, but says much about where we are at as a Club, to be able to let someone as good a person and as good a footballer leave the Club. Looks like Greg thinks it is the right move and so with that in mind, it probably is right and again, wish Greg nothing but the best and appreciate his time with us.
5

essexccc added 18:32 - Aug 24 I agree with all the positive comments about Greg Leigh and also understand the reasons why we have allowed him to leave. I, too, wish him all the very best. I am also aware that players trot out much the same comments when they sign for a new club. But Greg, really? “Oxford are always looking to get on the front foot” - must be code for “Oxford, always looking to waste time”.

3

blueboy1981 added 18:46 - Aug 24 Oh Well ! - One In, One Out, when we need to ADD to what we have. We’ll see, won’t we … ??
-9

leftie1972 added 19:32 - Aug 24 Nice bloke, class comments upon leaving the club. Good luck to him.
2

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