Patterson is angry at Matt Green's change of heart

Oxford United say striker Matt Green had twice verbally agreed to join them before a last-minute decision to sign for Blue Square Premier rivals Torquay.

"I don't appreciate anyone showing Oxford United so little respect," said U's manager Darren Patterson.

"Fortunately we have other targets, and have continued to talk to other strikers who are as good or better."

Green, 21, who had two loan spells with the U's last season, has admitted he joined Torquay for financial reasons.

Patterson explained that he felt the offer made to Green was a realistic one, given the injury problems the striker had experienced.

The report we had regarding Matt from a top knee specialist wasn't exactly glowing Darren Patterson

"He never was able to train during the week for much of the time he was with us, and his medical problems had been fairly well publicised.

"The report we had regarding Matt from a top knee specialist wasn't exactly glowing, and that was reflected when we made Matt our offer.

"There was a little bit of negotiation but then Matt verbally accepted the offer. He said he was coming in to sign so we had a meeting set up.

"His agent was there, everything was in order, but he phoned to say he was joining Torquay."

Green, who scored 10 goals while on loan at the U's, praised Patterson in an interview with BBC Oxford.

"Darren is a very ambitious person, like myself," he said.

"He has got to do the best that he can with his budget and I am sure that he will."

Patterson reassured supporters that he has not been concentrating on signing Green alone.

"There are some very exciting players who would love the chance to play here but we will be patient and make sure they are the right players for this club.

"We will continue to build a squad that is totally united for the coming season."