Oxford United have added a second exciting young defender to their squad with the signing of defender Sam Allardyce on a one year contract.

Sam,18, is a centre-half, as was his grandfather of the same name before he began his famous managerial career. The younger Sam signed at Manchester United as a youngster before completing his scholarship at Bury. With full back Kevin Berkoe also signing from Wolves this week Karl Robinson believes the U’s are building for the future.

“Sam is an ‘old-school’ defender. He reads the game really well and wants to win every ball and every header. He is still quite raw but he has this real passion for the game and a natural enthusiasm. Kevin joining from Wolves means we have brought in two players who have spent time at big club academies and are hungry and want to push on and be part of the first team this season; I see the same thing in Aaron Heap and Aaron McCreadie, two local lads who joined yesterday.

“It is up to all four of them to work hard now, push senior players all the way and try and show what they can do and we will do all we can to help them continue to develop.”

Sam told us:

“I came and had a look round and was really impressed with the way the club is set up and the way that Karl likes to try and help young players. It’s a big move for me, away from home and at an important stage of my career. I’ll come here and give it my all and am determined to make the most of the opportunity.”