Oxford United announced Josh McEachran’s one-year contract extension in hilarious fashion. 

The newly-promoted Championship side benefitted from the Chelsea youngster’s ability as they secured a place in the second tier of English football for the first time in 25 years.

Instead of merely posting an image of the midfielder holding up a shirt, the club’s social media department decided to make reference to a recent John Terry interview, in which the Blues legend recounted a story involving McEachran. 

Terry revealed that he led a mutiny against former manager Andre Villas-Boas after the Portuguese decided to seat some of the club’s youngsters – including McEachran – in first class, while he was put in economy. 

‘This was part of AVB going “no player is bigger than me, everyone’s the same”‘. Terry said on the Up Front with Simon Jordan. ‘It turns out Lamps is flying out in first class and I’m flying back in first class. So if you fly out in first, you come back in economy, but basically it wasn’t good enough.

Oxford have announced that Josh McEachran will remain at the club for the 2024-25 season

John Terry revealed how he led a mutiny against former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas

 ‘So, I’m going on the plane “no, we’re not going anywhere until these young players go back in economy and the first team players, that have built this club to where we are today, go back in first”’. 

The recent mention served as inspiration for Oxford, who released a video of a scene from the 2024 Amazon studios movie Upgraded. In it, the lead character can be seen having their plane ticket upgraded to first class after the attendant takes pity on their less than ideal placement in economy. 

A crude cut out of McEachran’s head replaces that of Camila Mendes, who plays the protagonist in the film. 

The rather elaborate announcement video was at least appreciated by the man at the centre of it. McEachran took to social media to show his appreciation by replying to the post with a laughing face and three clapping emojis. 

Oxford did also confirm his stay in more conventional terms, as they released a club statement to coincide with their stunt. 

‘The 31-year-old played a pivotal role as the club clinched promotion to the Championship for the first time in 25 years,’ the statement read. ‘Featuring in one of the play-off semi-finals and in the victory over Bolton Wanderers in the final at Wembley.

‘Starting his career at Chelsea’s youth academy, McEachran has a wealth of experience throughout the English football leagues and in Europe, and he will look to continue to bring his qualities to the team in the Championship.’

McEachran spoke of his pleasure to play for his local club and stressed his excitement to take on the Championship next term.

McEachran replied to the video on social media with laughing and three clapping emojis

Oxford United will play in the Championship next season after beating Bolton in the League One play-off final at Wembley last month 

‘Being a local boy from Oxford, I know what this club means to everyone in the area, and it was amazing to see the city get behind the team in what was such a special season.

‘Now, I can’t wait to take part in the Championship with Oxford and see what we can achieve.’