CHRIS TARDIF is to fight for his place at Oxford United. The Guernseyman has turned down offers from several league clubs and signed a new two-year deal to remain at the Kassam Stadium, following the lead of his rival for the number one jersey, Billy Turley.

‘I feel I have a few points to prove here,’ Tardif said.

‘Even up until [Monday] night the phone was ringing and there was interest from other clubs, but I can’t leave Oxford after last season.

‘There were several factors, but the fans were a major one because they have been unbelievable with me. Working with [goalkeeping coach] Alan Hodgkinson is another because he is brilliant.’

In two seasons at the Kassam Stadium, the 25-year-old has made 55 starts for the club and was player of the year in his first campaign.

However, last season he started on the bench after the then manager, Brian Talbot, signed Turley.

The Sarnian regained his place only to suffer an unfortunate injury to his arm.

Since then, Jim Smith has taken over the managerial reins and he has emphasised that he will decide on who plays between the sticks on form alone.

‘They’re probably the best two goalkeepers in the lower leagues and there should again be a tremendous rivalry to see who becomes our number one. There’s very little to choose between them,’ Smith said.

Tardif is happy with that situation.

‘I am desperate to do well here and want to play the whole season,’ he said. ‘I want to show Jim and [assistant] Andy Awford that I’m not the keeper I was at Portsmouth. I’ve matured since then and feel much more comfortable with my game.

‘There will be rivalry with Billy Turley, but it’s a friendly rivalry because we get on well. We both know only one of us can start each game and are both desperate for it to be us. That is healthy for the club, though, and now it’s up to me to show that I deserve the number one jersey.’

He will have to do that in pre-season and The U’s have several friendlies lined up, including matches against Premiership sides Portsmouth and Manchester United.

Meanwhile, Tardif proved himself a dabhand at another sport when he returned to the island for a summer break recently and hit a hole-in-one on the 18th at L’Ancresse.

The 18-handicapper aced with a five iron.

‘It cost me a few quid,’ he said.