Tom Craddock's Oxford United move was close to wire

Craddock scored 10 League Two goals for Luton in 27 games in 2008/09

Striker Tom Craddock has revealed how his deadline day move from Luton to Oxford was nearly beaten by the clock.

Craddock, 23, moved for an undisclosed fee although the club did not announce the deal until after 1800 BST.

He told BBC Oxford: "We were at the Kassam Stadium and time was ticking down and once five o'clock came it looked as if we might be too late.

"Thankfully it got pushed through and I can't thank the people who did the paperwork enough."

The forms were lodged with the Football Association with 10 minutes to spare before the 1800 BST deadline.

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I am sad to see Tommy Craddock leave us. I think he'll be a great signing, and can see him working well with Constable

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Craddock says he was aware of rumours linking him to several clubs, but took little notice until something became more concrete.

"I found out Oxford had made their interest known to Luton at the weekend and I couldn't wait to talk to the manager. Once I got to meet him I was keen to sign before the deadline came," he said.

The former Middlesbrough youth product was out of contract at Kenilworth Road at the end of this season and links up with former Luton team-mates Asa Hall and Simon Heslop.

"I spoke to Asa and also having played two games against Oxford last season, I knew that they had a lot of good players so I was pleased to able to come and join," he said.

"It's a three-year contract and in that time I hope we can have a lot of success. I can't wait to get into training on Thursday."

Boss Chris Wilder said missed opportunities in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy 2-0 defeat at Aldershot underlined why he'd moved in the transfer market.

"That's why I have been working my tail off and thankfully we have got somebody we think will score goals," said Wilder.

"I have admired Tom Craddock for a long time. He comes with a pressure of having to score goals, but his record is a good one. Hopefully he can finish the chances we are undoubtedly creating."