Trainer leaves Oxford for Telford

Trainer scored eleven goals last season for Oxford (OTMP)

AFC Telford have signed Oxford United midfielder Phil Trainer on loan until the end of the season.

The 27-year-old midfielder, who hit 11 goals last season, had been a fixture in Oxford's team after a freak injury.

But his contract is due to expire this summer and new Oxford manager Chris Wilder has opted to move him on now.

"Phil's done his part for the club," Wilder told BBC Oxford. "There has to be big changes in the summer. But any changes I can do now, I will do."

And Trainer is prepared to make what he hopes is a temporary drop down a division to Blue Square North promotion hopefuls Telford.

"They want to be where I've just come from," said Trainer. "And I want to get back there".

Wolverhampton-born Trainer began his career in Crewe's youth academy, even enjoying a short loan spell at Hyde in 2000.

He then had spells with Hednesford Town, Stalybridge Celtic, Northwich Victoria and Tamworth before moving to Oxford in 2007.

And he admitted that, despite interest from Stevenage and Woking, he was keen to get back to this part of the Midlands.

"Being local I know what the set-up's like," he told BBC Radio Shropshire. "There was always going to be one answer. I was coming and that's it".

He missed the start of this season after suffering a freak injury in pre-season training, when he broke a bone in his foot.

But Telford manager Rob Smith maintained his interest all along.

"I've been waiting for one email all year just to see if he was available on loan," said Smith. "I got it two weeks ago and we made moves".

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