Oxford City Football Club can confirm that Defender Phil Croker has joined EFL League Two side Crewe Alexandra for an undisclosed fee.

An academy graduate, Croker broke into the first team at the MGroup Stadium in the 2023/24 season and has gone from strength to strength since.

The central defender went on to make twenty appearances for the club, scoring five goals.

We are incredibly proud to have played a part in Phil's development and we are delighted to see one of our own make the step into professional football.

The move also shines a light on the player pathway here at Oxford City, with Croker the latest name of many to make the jump into the EFL directly from the club.

Manager Ross Jenkins said: "I'm extremely proud of Phil and the steps he's made over the last few seasons.

"We get great satisfaction seeing a player develop on and off the pitch, so watching Phil progress from our academy and into the first team has been extremely pleasing.

"Phil signing for an EFL club truly shows what hard work and a great attitude can do for a player and hopefully this inspires the next group of young players we have coming through.

"We all wish Phil the very best moving forward.

Owner Justin Merritt said: "We wish Phil every success in the next stage of his career. 

“I am sure he will continue to develop and with his dedication and ability, go on to have a great career.

“ Having developed within our JPL , Velocity & FA Youth Cup squads and then achieving 20 appearances in the National League and National League North as an 18-year-old demonstrates Oxford City’s pathway into professional football. 

“With several players in recent years making the progression it is testament to our model, the coaches and management team who are supportive of playing young players.”

Everyone at Oxford City FC wishes Phil nothing but the best in his time at Crewe and he'll always be welcome back at the MGroup Stadium.