Rob Hall returns to Oxford

By Matt Storey

Oxford have secured the services of midfielder Rob Hall after his release by Bolton Wanderers.

Hall, who can play both through the middle and on the wing, previously spent time on loan at the Kassam as a 17-year-old in 2011 and has fond memories of the club and their fans.

“It’s been great to see the club going from strength to strength,” Hall told the official club website.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time here, the fans were brilliant with me and I’ve never forgotten that.”

Whilst Micheal Appleton was delighted to bring the ex-West Ham youngster to the newly-promoted club, he was quick to point out signing Hall is far from a quick fix.

“It’s not a short-term signing because he is still coming back from injury,” explained Appleton.

The Aylesbury-born midfielder ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during training in April, but Appleton has shown faith in the midfielder by handing him a two-year deal.

“It will take a while to get him fit and involved but once he does that he is certainly going to give us plenty of threat in those forward positions,” Appleton added.

Hall made just 34 appearances during his three-year spell at Bolton, starting 16 games for the Lancashire side.

Over the last two seasons he has spent time on loan at MK Dons in both League One and in the Championship, playing over 30 times for the club and scoring five goals.

Oxford begin a season in the third tier of English football for the first time in 16 years, and Appleton will be hoping the 22-year olds experience of higher divisions will hold him in good stead when he does return.