Former Reading youngster released by Oxford after Championship promotion

Former Reading youngster James Henry has been released after seven years at rivals Oxford United following their promotion to the Championship.

34-year-old Henry- born and raised in Woodley- rose through the ranks with him hometown club and made 18 first team appearances, scoring four times.

However, struggling to force his way into a side in the Premier League, the midfielder made a name for himself in the EFL, most notably with spells at Millwall and Bolton.

Joining Oxford in 2017, Henry went on to play 260 times for the U's and scored twice in 18 appearances for 2023/24.

Part of multiple failed promotion attempts at the Kassam Stadium, Oxford earned promotion to the Championship this season for the first time in over 25 years with a win over Bolton at Wembley Stadium.

Henry has been released alongside Marcus Browne, Billy Bodin and Steve Seddon.

Head of Recruitment, Ed Waldron, said: “I would like to offer my thanks to each of the players departing the club. Each has made a significant contribution to this football club over their time and I would like to wish them well for their future.

“James Henry arrived in 2017 and became a key figure in this club’s history, providing some iconic moments over his seven-year period including his hat-trick against Lincoln City, a vital goal against Doncaster to keep us in the division in 2018 and other big goals.