OXFORD United’s No 3 shirt seemed the obvious choice for Steve Seddon after he completed his move from Birmingham City last week.

But instead of inheriting the jersey vacated by Josh Ruffels, his predecessor at left back, he chose 42 instead.

The 23-year-old selected that number, which he has worn at several of his previous clubs, because February 4 (4/2) is a date with personal significance.

Although United have not officially announced their squad numbers for 2021/22, it is understood the shirts the players have worn in pre-season will be theirs for the campaign ahead.

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As well as Ruffels leaving No 3 vacant, there are a few other changes from last term.

Sam Long will wear 2 – a shirt occupied by Sean Clare last season - to recognise his status as United’s first-choice right back, having previously been No 12.

Luke McNally was initially given No 4 after arriving from St Patrick’s Athletic in January, but will start the campaign with 16 on his back.

That means Joel Cooper switches to 22 after Rob Atkinson’s move to Bristol City left it free.

Summer signing Ryan Williams has inherited Rob Hall’s No 7 jersey, while Marcus McGuane keeps the 18 shirt he wore last season.

Meanwhile, Billy Bodin takes No 23 after Dylan Asonganyi was released in May.

In addition to 3, 4 and 12, the No 21 shirt is also currently vacant as it was given to Clare before his move to Charlton Athletic last week.

United squad numbers (last season in brackets):

  • 1. Simon Eastwood (1)
  • 2. Sam Long (12)
  • 5. Elliott Moore (5)
  • 6. Alex Gorrin (6)
  • 7. Ryan Williams (N/A)
  • 8. Cameron Brannagan (8)
  • 9. Matty Taylor (9)
  • 10. Mark Sykes (10)
  • 11. Sam Winnall (11)
  • 13. Jack Stevens (13)
  • 14. Anthony Forde (14)
  • 15. John Mousinho (15)
  • 16. Luke McNally (4)
  • 17. James Henry (17)
  • 18. Marcus McGuane (18)
  • 19. Dan Agyei (19)
  • 20. Jamie Hanson (20)
  • 22. Joel Cooper (16)
  • 23. Billy Bodin (N/A)
  • 29. Derick Osei (29)
  • 42. Steve Seddon (N/A)

Selected others: 

  • 33. Michael Elechi 
  • 37. Tyler Goodrham
  • 38. Leon Chambers-Parillon
  • 39. Slavi Spasov
  • 40. Yoav Sade