Oxford United manager Michael Appleton believes Liam Sercombe can become a ‘major asset’, after securing the 25-year-old's services from Sky Bet League 2 rivals Exeter City.
The central midfielder, who has signed a two-year deal, brings quality and experience to the Kassam Stadium and Appleton is looking forward to working with his new signing.The manager told the club's official website: “First and foremost he is a very good player.
“He is a terrific competitor, he links things together well and every time we’ve watched him he has caught the eye.
“He has a lot of experience for someone who is still only 25 and we think he will be a major asset to this football club.”
Sercombe has spent his entirety of his career to date at Exeter, where he has developed into one of the stand-out players in Sky Bet League 2.
The dynamic midfielder has made a total of 263 appearances for the Grecians, but felt that the time was right to change environment.
“It’s exciting to be joining Oxford. I have been with Exeter since I was a kid so it was hard to leave but I know I have made the right decision,” Sercombe explained.
“I wanted a new challenge and am really looking forward to being part of what Oxford are trying to build here.”
Sercombe becomes Oxford’s second signing in as many days, with Kemar Roofe being brought in from West Bromwich Albion yesterday.
Roofe knows Oxford well, having impressed on loan with them last season, and the 22-year-old is looking forward to picking up from where he left off.
“It was an easy decision,” Roofe, who netted six goals in the final seven games of the 2014/15 campaign, earning himself a Sky Bet League 2 Player of the Month nomination, said.
“Not only have I enjoyed my football at Oxford and been made to feel really welcome but I have also seen how ambitious the club are.
“We finished last season really strongly, the bulk of that side will be here next season and there is a really positive atmosphere around the whole club.”