Whitehead signs

Sunderland today secured the signature of Oxford United midfielder Dean
Whitehead on a 3-year contract tying him to the Club until June 2007.

Whitehead was the overwhelming choice by Oxford fans as their player of
the year last season, but his contract at the club ends this summer (31
June). U's boss Graham Rix was keen to keep the midfielder and offered
him a new deal but the 22-year-old rejected the offer.

He said: " I had a great time at Oxford but I am ambitious and want to
play at the highest level.

" There are some very good midfielders at Sunderland but I intend to
work hard and try and earn a place in the team. I am confident I can
make the step up and I'm looking forward to it.

"I was delighted when I heard of Sunderland's interest. Mick McCarthy
is a highly respected figure in the game and I am thrilled to be joining
his squad. It was easy decision for me to make to make really"

The Abingdon born midfielder has made over one hundred appearances for
Oxford since breaking into the side as a teenager. A central midfielder
who can also play on the right, Whitehead is Sunderland's third signing
of the summer following the acquisitions of Carl Robinson and Stephen
Elliott.

Sunderland are expecting to pay compensation to Oxford for the 22-year
old midfielder.

Player Profile
Name: Dean Whitehead
Date of Birth: 12-01-82
Place of Birth: Abingdon
Nationality: British
Height 5'11
Weight 12.08

Position
Midfielder

Career History
Oxford United since schoolboy
League debut August 26th 2000 v Brentford
Total apps: 136
Total goals: 9