Mark Ashton believes the signing of Sam Slocombe sends out a serious message that Oxford United mean business.

The U’s brought in the 27-yearold former Scunthorpe goalkeeper yesterday on a two-year deal to compete with Ryan Clarke and Max Crocombe for the No 1 jersey at the Kassam Stadium.

Going into the summer, few considered that position to be a concern, with Clarke having established himself as No 1 since joining in 2009, and Crocombe impressing when on loan at Nuneaton last season to gain vital first-team experience.

However, head coach Michael Appleton took a different view, and chief executive Ashton says the club will always strive to keep improving the playing squad.

  •  United

“I think it’s a further statement of intent,” Ashton said on completing the signing of Slocombe.

“We want as much competition as possible in every position throughout the squad.”

Slocombe’s arrival will increase speculation that Clarke’s United career could be over after 232 appearances.

Ashton would not be drawn on the future of Clarke, but says the club have planned for every eventuality.

“It is about competition and strength in depth and I believe we have got that now in the goalkeeping department,” he said.

“Everyone has got to fight for their place, but if one of them moves on or we receive an offer for, we will have to consider it and see if it is right for all parties.

“If enquiries come in then we will listen, even though we have no desire to sell any of our players.We want to build a squad here.

“If they were all here in preseason or for the start of the season, then we’d do it.

“But if we just have two, then we’d do that. We have budgeted for both scenarios.

“But I would rather start from the point that we have three in the door now rather than one.”

Oxford United expect significant work to take place on their pitch early next week.

The surface has been covered in sand for the past week.

“We have had to take a lot more off the pitch than we initially anticipated,” Ashton said.

“The artificial grass was much deeper than we realised, but that’s all gone now and there is 500 tonnes of soil that will go on.”

Work will start on laying the the artificial surface on Monday