Cook played for Oxford when they were in the second tier

Oxford United have re-signed forward Jamie Cook on a two-year deal from Blue Square Premier rivals Crawley after fans funded a deadline day move.

U's supporters established the 12th Man fund in the close-season and it has been used to fund the undisclosed fee.

Cook, now 30, started his career with Oxford, but left in 2001 for Boston before spells at Stevenage and Witney.

He told BBC Oxford: "I have improved as a player and I can't put in to words how happy I am to be back."

He said: "It's brilliant that the fans have put their money in to get me here.

It just shows what a together club we are. The fans have been fantastic Oxford boss Chris Wilder on the 12th Man fund

"It's something that makes me feel very good and I will re-pay them on the pitch."

Oxford boss Chris Wilder added: "The plan was to use the fund at Christmas, but we have managed to secure Jamie's signature for a small fee.

"It just shows what a together club we are. The fans have been fantastic from my point of view."

Supporter Tim Davies, who contributed to the 12th man fund, said: "This is what we needed after yesterday (when Oxford were held by Forest Green). Hopefully we can push on again and raise some more money."

606: DEBATE Have your say on Cook's return home after eight years away

Cook has been at Crawley since 2007 - scoring 32 goals in 78 appearances.

He made 92 appearances for Oxford and played for them in the old First Division.

Meanwhile, Oxford manager Chris Wilder has been named Blue Square Premier manager of the month.

United remained unbeaten from their seven games in August and top the table from Mansfield.

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