PATIENCE paid off for Oxford United as they made up for missing out on Liam Sercombe in January by signing him on a free transfer.

Head coach Michael Appleton was keen on bringing in the midfielder halfway through the season, but a bid was rejected by Exeter City.

United still had hope of a move on deadline day, before finally admitting defeat.

It means Mark Ashton was delighted to finally seal the switch for the 25-year-old, whose contract at St James Park expired this summer.

United’s chief executive said: “We knocked on Exeter’s door a couple of times and they said no.

“He was the other one we would’ve liked to have tried to bring in (on deadline day).

“But Exeter felt they still had a good crack at the play-offs and were adamant they didn’t want him to go anywhere.

“We respected that and went back to the door to knock again once he became available.

"At that point we could conclude the deal.”

He added: “It’s great Liam Sercombe has made the decision, he wants to join Oxford, because again a number of other clubs have been trying to get his services.”

With the news coming 24 hours after Kemar Roofe’s unveiling, it has been a strong start to the close season for United.

Further additions are expected before pre-season begins in late June, but none are thought to be imminent.

Ashton said: “I’d be surprised if there were any more this week, but you can never say never in this game.

“We are working on other targets, for sure.”