Johnny Mullins targets Oxford United promotion

Oxford United's new recruit Johnny Mullins says the club's determination to get promotion was the biggest factor in his decision to join the U's.

The 27-year old centre-back signed a three-year contract at the club earlier in the week after impressing during a six-week loan from Rotherham last term.

And he is confident the U's are a team heading in the right direction.

"I fully believe we can achieve the ultimate goal and I'm confident we will," Mullins told BBC Radio Oxford.

Mullins says it was not a difficult decision to drop a division to League Two, and says he is impressed by the new faces in the squad.

He also says the club can seriously believe that a promotion push is possible this season.

"The main part of my decision was where the club can go," he said "I think this place can go places. This is definitely a club geared up for promotion and I want to get back in League One.

"There are a lot of players here who can play in different positions. there is a togetherness and that is key.

"Rotherham wanted to go another way, but that's done now and I'm looking forward to my time in Oxford.

"You look at the structure, the squad is very strong and I believe we will be up there."

The U's begin their campaign at Portsmouth where around 17,000 spectators are expected to watch the opening game of the new season on Saturday week.

And Mullins says the players are already excited by that trip to Fratton Park.

"Portsmouth away puts a smile on your face and we are all looking forward to it," he added.