Josh McEachran admits he had to cut his ties with Chelsea for the sake of his career.

The 22-year-old midfielder, from Kirtlington, had 12 months left on his contract at Stamford Bridge but opted to join Brentford after 15 years with the Blues, and five years after making his debut.

Touted as a future England star when aged 17, McEachran made just 22 appearances for Chelsea and was sent on loan to Middlesbrough, Swansea and Vitesse Arnhem.

The former England Under-21 international constantly found his path to the first team blocked by a host of bigmoney imports and finally lost patience this summer.

But McEachran hopes the switch to the Championship side will eventually be his route to the top and includes an England ambition.

“It was time to get out of Chelsea, I was there for 15 years,” he said.

“I wanted a fresh start, to get settled and play somewhere week-in, week-out. Now it’s time for me to push on.

“I am not saying I should have got more chances at Chelsea.

“It is not down to me who plays, it is down to the managers, so I am not going to point the finger at anyone. But I am not going to say it is anyone’s fault.

“The Chelsea badge has been taken off me now so there’s not as much pressure.

“I’m excited to be here and looking forward to playing football. Hopefully, somewhere down the line, get back in with England.”

Meanwhile, Oxford United will host a fans’ forum in Bicester on August 12 at the Littlebury Hotel from 6.30pm, where chairman Darryl Eales, chief executive Mark Ashton and head coach Michael Appleton will meet supporters and take questions.

From 4pm-5.30pm in Sheep Street, the club will be hosting a number of kids’ activities and a chance to win season tickets. The trio will visit businesses in the morning.