After the high of promotion comes the stark reality of the second tier

AFTER the high of promotion has come the stark reality of preparing for life in the second tier.

Oxford United have released four first team players, three of whom played important roles for the club this season.

Billy Bodin, Marcus Browne and James Henry will leave United not just with a play-off winners’ medal round their neck, but a place in U’s folklore.

After all, they were part of the squad which got United back into the second tier of English football for the first time in 25 years.

Read the retained list in full here

Henry departs after a glorious seven-year spell with the U’s, a stint which oozed class and quality.

A total of 58 goals in 260 appearances ensures he leaves United with just 10 other players in front of him........

© Oxford Mail