MICHAEL Appleton kept to his word when saying he would bolster his squad on transfer deadline day.

The U’s brought in Chris Maguire until the end of the season and Zeli Ismail on a month’s loan, but also saw two players depart.

Midfielder Danny Rose left the club by mutual consent before signing for Northampton Town, while striker Patrick Hoban joined Stevenage on loan for a month.

United had made no secret about their desire to sign Maguire, who had enjoyed a successful loan period at the club earlier in the season.

And when the 27-year-old left Rotherham United by mutual consent at lunchtime, the U’s were quick to snap up the forward.

Maguire was delighted to rejoin the club.

He said: “I enjoyed my time here and am very happy to have signed.

“There is a real buzz about the club right now and I am looking forward to being part of it once more.”

He is joined by Wolves winger Ismail, who has been at the club since he was ten, but has struggled to break into the first team under Kenny Jackett.

The 22-year-old has had loan spells at MK Dons, Notts County and most recently Burton Albion, with U's head coach Appleton describing him as an “exciting young player”.

He added: “I’ve seen him play a number of times over the years and know what a clever player he can be, and he always causes problems for the opposition.”

Rose leaves the club after making 142 appearances over two spells.

The 27-year-old has struggled for first-team football in recent months due to the fine form of Liam Sercombe and John Lundstram.

And after agreeing to cancel his contract, Rose joined up with former United boss Chris Wilder at promotion rivals Northampton.

Rose was quick to thank fans on Twitter after his departure.

He tweeted: “Thank you OUFC fans for the overwhelming support after leaving the club today. Appreciate all your kind words, means a lot.”

Hoban’s move to Stevenage came just before the bizarre sacking of manager Teddy Sheringham, who had made several other signings.

The 24-year-old has scored just six goals in a 12-month spell with United.

Appleton said: “It makes sense for him to go out, play games at Stevenage and hopefully get a few goals as well.”