Success of Oxford United loanees for 2022/23 season assessed

Three of those players joined Football League sides, while Jodi Jones helped Notts County get promoted back into Sky Bet League Two.

A fifth member of the first team also left United on loan, as midfielder Ben Davis joined Thai outfit Port FC.

We had a look at how those who had temporary moves away fared and what the future might hold for them next season.

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JACK STEVENS

The 25-year-old joined fellow League One side Port Vale on a season-long loan back in August, and went on to make 28 appearances in all competitions, keeping eight clean sheets.

Stevens went in initially as Vale’s first choice goalkeeper but lost his regular spot after a 3-2 defeat away to Shrewsbury Town on February 11.

He would go on to play just one more game for Vale – a 3-0 loss at Accrington Stanley, in which he scored an own goal just after the half hour mark when he failed to keep hold of a high ball and dropped it over the line.

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Stevens was handed United’s No 1 shirt last summer but did not feature in the opening three games of the season.

He signed a new contract with the U’s prior to joining Vale on loan, and is tied to the club until 2025.

With Simon Eastwood and Ed McGinty also contracted for next season, it is likely one of that trio will leave the club either temporarily or on a permanent basis.

STEVE SEDDON

The left back joined Cambridge United in January on the same day Brandon Fleming singed from Hull City on loan.

Seddon actually began the season as first choice left back, playing 13 games for United this campaign – starting eight of those matches.

However, he was dislodged by Ciaron Brown and made the move to Cambridge at the turn of the year.

He suffered a fractured cheekbone and eye socket on his debut but made nine further appearances following his return, to help his loan side preserve their League One status.

Seddon’s deal with United expires next summer and at the moment, he is the most natural cover for Brown.

“The home support has been amazing and when I walk in the pub now, I get my hand shaken and congratulated – it’s got the whole village talking about us.”

Meet the Oxfordshire side whose 12-game winning run led them to the league title @ChalgroveFC

— Liam Rice (@OxMailLiamRice) May 16, 2023

JODI JONES

The 25-year-old winger had arguably the most profitable loan spell of the players in this round-up, helping Luke Williams’ Magpies side win promotion at Wembley.

County finished second in Vanarama National League, while Jones opened his account for his loan side when he scored a 120th minute winner to send them into the play-off final.

Jones came off the bench against Chesterfield at Wembley, and converted his spot-kick in the penalty shoot-out.

He had a one-year option in his U’s deal but that was not triggered, leaving him free to join another club next month.

THE NATIONAL LEAGUE DELIVERS AGAIN! ❤️

Jodi Jones scores in the 120th minute to send @Official_NCFC to @TheVanaramaNL play-off final. pic.twitter.com/4DYlT5h9Sm

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 7, 2023

MATTY TAYLOR

The striker’s departure was arguably the most unexpected, despite a troubling first half of the season.

After bagging six goals – three in League One – Taylor sealed a January deadline day switch to Vale, linking up with Stevens.

His time in Staffordshire was more productive, netting four goals in 14 games.

Although only eight players have scored more for United in the club’s history, 33-year-old Taylor was not offered a new deal and will leave the club this summer.