SIMON Eastwood has signed a new deal with Oxford United which will keep him at the club until at least the summer of 2025.

The 34-year-old goalkeeper, whose previous contract was due to expire next summer, has been dislodged as United’s number one this season by Brighton & Hove Albion loanee James Beadle.

Eastwood has made 280 appearances for the U’s since signing from Blackburn Rovers in 2016.

READ ALSO: Liam Manning dismisses transfer rumours as ‘just noise’

He told the club website: “It’s good to get it sorted. My role has slightly changed this year but I am still training as hard as ever, trying to push James Beadle but also there as an older head to try and help him if needed.

“The gaffer has been excellent, I have loved it here ever since I first signed and it’s great to have that little bit of security for my family for the next couple of years.”

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He added: “I feel like I’m in good shape and probably the best shape I’ve been in for a long time physically.

“I spoke to the manager on the new role I’m taking at the moment, as a number two looking after Beads and giving him information, and being there if called upon, which I think I’m more than capable of doing.

“He’s [head coach Liam Manning] rewarded me with what I did last season when he came in for the last 10 games.

“I thought I did quite well in the last 10 games and the pressure that was on the games at the time was quite intense.

“I’m glad I stepped up with that and I’m sure if I got called upon again, I could do the same.”

Manning said: “Easty is still a fantastic goalkeeper. His attitude is spot on every day.  

“James Beadle has been excellent but it’s no coincidence that Easty is there providing the same sort of competition that we are looking for in every position. He epitomises the culture that we want here.”

Head of recruitment Ed Waldron added: “It’s another important signing for us. We have 10 new faces this summer but you need continuity, people who understand the club, know the league and can use their experience.

“Easty is in great shape, he still wants to push himself and those around him and when called upon we know he will be more than ready.”

Eastwood started his career with Huddersfield Town, where he had loan spells with Woking and Bradford City.

He then joined the U’s in 2010 but left after one season to sign for FC Halifax Town and then Portsmouth.

The shot stopper then enjoyed three years at Blackburn, before returning to United in 2016.

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