OXFORD United’s loanees have paid tribute to the club following the conclusion of their spells at the Kassam Stadium.

The end of the Sky Bet League One season means Gavin Whyte and Ciaron Brown return to Cardiff City, while Herbie Kane and Nathan Holland go back to Barnsley and West Ham United respectively.

All four players featured regularly during their time at Grenoble Road, helping the U’s finish eighth in the table.

READ MORE: The key statistics from Oxford United's season

Whyte and Holland were back at United for their second spells and the West Ham winger reflected on a season of highs and lows.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed both spells at the club,” he told the U’s official website.

“The first time was great, but you can see the progress they are making all the time and how the club is set up for the future.

“Promotion was the aim and we fell just short of that but all of us involved will learn from the experience, painful as it was.

“It was an honour to wear the yellow shirt again and I want to thank everyone and wish the whole club the best for the future.”

Holland, 23, made 39 appearances and bagged seven goals this season.

Whyte played the same number of games, claiming ten assists and scoring a thunderbolt against Burton Albion in March.

The 26-year-old said: “I want to say a massive thank you to the manager, coaching staff, players and the fans for letting me be part of the team again.

“It was a tough season but I enjoyed being part of it. It’s a very special club and I want to wish everyone all the very best.”

Meanwhile, Kane’s campaign ended in personal disappointment as he suffered a groin injury in the penultimate game at Rotherham United.

READ MORE: Herbie Kane injury is 'horrendous news', says Karl Robinson

Head coach Karl Robinson called it ‘horrendous news’ for the midfielder, who featured 37 times after arriving at the end of the summer transfer window.

“I really enjoyed the season,” Kane said.

“But obviously not the way it all ended.

“That was gutting for all of us but I know the players will be determined to make up for that next year.

“I want to thank the gaffer and all of the staff. It’s a great set up and they deserve success, as do the fans.”

Brown signed on deadline day in January and enjoyed a terrific end to the campaign, showing real consistency at left back.

The 24-year-old also scored the winner at Crewe Alexandra in February as he made 13 appearances.

He said: “I was made to feel at home straight away and it was a pleasure to be part of the team and to play for the fans, who were incredible.

“I loved the experience, enjoyed my football, and have lots of great memories from my time there.”

Before Saturday’s game against Doncaster Rovers, Robinson raised the possibility of some of the loanees returning next season.

The U’s head coach has not hidden his desire to keep Kane, although the 23-year-old’s injury could affect that.

Robinson said: “It’s not always easy to go into a club and be part of things, but all four of them very quickly bought into the way we do things and the work ethic that we demand.

“Gav and Nathan had been here before and that helped them settle in but Herbie and Ciaron were part of the group straight away.

“I want to thank all four of them for the way they played and the way they conducted themselves.”