DWIGHT Tiendalli credited Pep Clotet’s influence for his decision to sign a 12-month contract at Oxford United.

The former Netherlands international, who won the Dutch League title with FC Twente in 2010, worked with Clotet during a spell at Swansea City.

Full back Tiendalli, who can play on either flank, sat next to the Spaniard during Saturday’s 3-0 friendly win at Oxford City and was suitably impressed with the side’s approach.

After completing the necessary paperwork, the 31-year-old flew out from his home in Amsterdam to United’s training camp in Portugal yesterday.

He said: “To be honest when you think about League One, most of the teams play direct football, but that’s not the way I play.

“Pep told me Oxford are a club that likes to play football and I think last year they showed that.

“I did a bit of research and I could see they were similar to Swansea. It fits in with me.”

Tiendalli also has Dutch giants Ajax and Feyenoord on his CV, but arrives at United with a point to prove after two years out of the game.

Knee and thigh injuries have kept him on the sidelines, although he has been fit for several months.

He said: “I was out for 18 months working on my recovery and getting as fit as possible.

“I’m now good to go and I think Oxford is a good platform for me to be back again.

“It’s nice to be back on track and I’m grateful to Oxford for giving me the opportunity.”

He added: “It’s a test for me as well. I have been working very hard, but we all know you can’t simulate a game.

“I think Oxford is a great opportunity for me to show myself and see where I am.”

James Henry and Jon Obika have joined since Clotet took charge, but Tiendalli is the first signing with a clear link to the new boss.

He said: “I’m delighted to be welcoming Dwight to our project, a player who boasts experience at the highest level of the English game and brings quality and versatility.

“In addition to his on-field ability, he’s a model professional and will be a great presence in the dressing room.”

United are unlikely to add any new faces to the group before they fly home from Portugal on Sunday.

But chairman Darryl Eales is expecting there to be more signings next week.

Eales said: “I would have thought by the end of next week we would have brought in at least one more, possibly two.

“Then Pep can start taking stock.”