Patterson's joy at new signings

12:55am Wednesday 9th July 2008

Comments (10)   Have your say »

Oxford United manager Darren Patterson has expressed his delight after he unveiled his three latest captures.

Striker James Constable and winger Lewis Haldane, who are both 23, have signed on season-long deals from Shrewsbury and Bristol Rovers respectively, while ex-West Brom midfielder Rob Davies, 21, has been given a short-term contract.

It brings to five the number of summer signings following the captures of midfielder Joe Burnell and left back Chris Carruthers.

Malmesbury-born Constable started his career at Chippenham Town, before signing for Walsall in November 2005.

After scoring nine goals in five starts on loan at Kidderminster he signed for Harriers on a permanent basis, scoring 12 goals in 38 appearances.

He moved to Shrewsbury last season, but the signing of former Oxford forward Richard Walker and Grant Holt moved him further down the pecking order.

Constable got his U's career off to a great start, scoring the winner in last night's 1-0 win at Oxford City.

Welshman Davies started his career with Wrexham before signing for West Brom.

He was later loaned out to Kidderminster where he played in the same team as Constable, before he signed a two-year contract with Spanish side Barakaldo.

"If you are not patient you don't get these opportunities ," said Patterson.

"I have to give my chairman a lot of credit. He has been involved all the way through.

"It's easy to rush into signing people, but I won't sign anyone unless I feel they are right for us.

"I have known about Rob for a while and am delighted to get him on board. He is a lively character on and off the pitch."

Patterson added: "I owe a debt of gratitude to Paul Simpson at Shrewsbury boss) and Lenny Lawrence and Paul Trollope at Bristol Rovers for both these players.

"I have been trying to get Constable for a while.

"At first, Paul had in mind to keep James because he bought him for a lot of money.

"He scored something like five goals in nine starts.

"But I think Paul thought it would be a good idea for James to come to Oxford.

"To be honest, I think Paul got sick of me asking about him all the time! I'm very pleased to get him - I just chanced my arm.

"James is quick, strong and has scored goals wherever he has played whether it be Walsall reserves, Shrewsbury or whatever.

"Of course, he scored a shed-load of goals for Kidderminster. He didn't take much convincing to come here."

Patterson added: "Lewis is a real character, a very positive kid.

"He's got fantastic pace and can play wide right, wide left or up front.

"Although all three are young, they have a lot of experience.

"I'm looking for people who have points to prove and are ambitious."