MUST-WIN MATCH TOMORROW

If Oxford are to have a viable chance of staying up, they really must win tomorrow's home match against mid-table Bournemouth, who have no particular incentive left for their season.

Oxford will include Eddie Newton in their first team squad for the first time after his deadline day free transfer from Brum. He may well start the match, especially as Joey Beauchamp has not yet recovered from his groin injury. Simon Weatherstone would be the likely man to step down. Pål Lundin may challenge Richard Knight for the keeper's position, after the latter's unconvincing performance against Cambridge. Steve Davis will challenge the errant Phil Whelan for a place in central defence.

Bournemouth are also hit by injury problems, with Scotland U21 midfielder, Richard Hughes, the latest to be ruled out. Fellow midfielder,  Claus Jorgensen, and defender Neil Young are both struggling to be fit for the match. John  Bailey and Karl Broadhurst had already been ruled out of the match, as had former U's striker, Mark Stein, who has knee ligament damage.

PSYCHOLOGISTS AID PLAYERS

Two sports psychologists have been aiding the players this week - Pete Cohen (as recommended by a YF editor) and Jonathan Zneimer. Denis ought to be congratulated in bringing such specialists into the club, as traditionally football has been the last sport to welcome such experts into the fold. Smith said of the idea, "I thought I should try it and having seen what it was like, it was a brilliant idea. A lot of people got a lot out of it, I believe."

He went on, "It's just a way of looking at life. Even if they don't use it for football they can use it in other parts of their life. [The psycolgosists] have studied what makes winners."

ARENDSE THREE WEEKS FROM RETURN

Andre Arendse will require another three weeks of treatment on his shoulder injury before he can even return to training. Apparently he has fluid on the shoulder (or on the subacromial-subdeltoid bursa, according to the technically-minded Official Site). Despite saying that they would not be calling up European-based players, South Africa still asked for Arendse to join their squad for their World Cup qualifier in Lesotho on April 9, but his injury has precluded his involvement.

EDDIE IMPRESSES

Denis Smith was impressed with Eddie Newton's sixty minute contribution to the reserve team's 1-1 draw at Layer Road yesterday. He also dismissed claims that Newton had had more than a minor knock when he joined Oxford. "[Newton] did everything I thought he might do ? he took up good positions, he passed it well, he tackled and he read the game well. We have never had any question marks over his fitness since he joined us. It was his match fitness we were a bit concerned about but this run-out will have done him good."

MAN CITY AFTER McGREGOR

Man City are expressing interest in former Oxford YTS trainee, Mark McGregor, now a highly rated non-league striker at Forest Green Rovers. He has been handed a trial at Maine Road.

MARCH ON SUNDAY

Don't forget the march on Sunday. I originally heralded it so long ago on these pages that I had almost forgotten that the day had come around now. Details are as follows :

On Sunday April 2 there is a Fans United march through central London, starting in Whitehall Place at 11.15am. The march will end in Trafalgar Square, having made its way past Downing Street. Fans of all clubs are being asked to unite to show solidarity in the face of the financial troubles faced by a large number of small (and not-so-small) clubs. The march has been organised by Keep Barnet Alive, whose website contains more details.

Eddie Newton played in the reserve match in Colchester this afternoon. The match ended 1-1, thus continuing the reserves' run without a win, which dates back to early November. Sam Ricketts scored for the U's in the last minute. Newton proved his fitness and will be included in the Squad for Saturday's match at home to Bournemouth. Rob Folland hobbled off, and may be a doubt for Saturday. Not that Denis seems to rate him anyway...

ROSS IN RACIST ABUSE CHARGES

Ross Weatherstone appeared in a Reading court today, charged with threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour. It is alleged that Weatherstone and three others verbally abused a taxi driver in Caversham, Reading in January. The abuse is alleged to have been racist in nature (the driver was Asian).

This incident obviously carries echoes of the Bowyer/Woodgate/Duberry incident that has been much reported recently in the national press. No doubt less coverage will be given to this case, but it is important that Oxford United take the same stance as Leeds recently did. Ross Weatherstone should be assumed innocent, and thus allowed to play until his case is heard (a moot point, since he is out until next season with a ligament injury), but if he is found guilty then he should not play for the club again.

CLUBS CHASE POWELL

Paul Powell looks more and more likely to leave Oxford in the summer, with the number of Premiership clubs chasing him growing by the week. West Ham have already expressed interest, and scouts from Newcastle and Sunderland are known to have watched Powell in recent matches. Now Wimbledon have joined the list of Powell-spotters. I suspect Denis (if still our manager) will cash in on Powell in the close-season and use the money to rebuild the team (in similar fashion to when he sold Joey last time we went down).

NO CALL UP FOR ARENDSE

South Africa are so confident that they can beat Lesotho in a World Cup qualifier on April 9 that they will not call up any European-based players (as they are entitled to do) for the tie. Thus Andre Arendse won't be going even if he has recovered from his shoulder injury in time.

RIVALS PLAYED TONIGHT

Scunthorpe and Chesterfield both lost tonight, and thus stay below Oxford in the table - way below in the case of Chesterfield. Sadly it was ailing Bury who beat Chesterfield, and they now look to be escaping the relegation mire into which they had recently been slipping.

NEW FEATURE - THE ICONOCLAST

Every Monday from now on, a new feature will appear on this site, including all the latest gossip from some bloke in a suit I met in the Manor club. Any assumption that he is an anonymous member of the OUFC staff giving me the inside stories should not be made. Of course he may be, but I doubt it.

SUICIDE ISN'T PAINLESS
(CAMBRIDGE 2 OXFORD 0)

The less said about Saturday's defeat the better. After all, I live in Cambridge. I shall find it hard to ignore or forget the result. Suffice to say that the team appeared not to be trying, Paul Powell and Derek Lilley apart. In fact Phil Whelan also appeared to be trying, only for the wrong team. One dodgy backpass, one headed shot on target - the only save Richard Knight had to make.

Basically the team converted a 0-0 into a 2-0 defeat via two mindless defensive errors (Murphy, Whelan) on a waterlogged pitch. Between them the two teams created just two chances worthy of the name, Matt Murphy's shot from distance and Jemmo's one-on-one, both well saved by Perez. I suspect we may be back at the Abbey next season in another division.

The referee had apparently wanted to call the game off when he saw how badly the ball held up in the water during the pre-match warm-up, but eventually decided he would give it a go. Most Oxford fans (and Phil Whelan) clearly wish he hadn't.

Denis was not impressed with conditions either. "The conditions didn't encourage passing and pace, so it didn't suit us, and especially players like Paul Powell and Jamie Cook. But you've got to play in all conditions and you've got to get on with it. We made bad mistakes which cost us, they made mistakes which didn't cost them. Cambridge can look at it as two points gifted rather than three points worked for."

NEWTON INTEREST

Those reliable folk at TeamTalk report that there is interest in Eddie Newton from various clubs across the Channel, and that a summer move could be on the cards for "Steady Eddie" (don't you just love the originality of most nick-names?) I guess if he does well enough for us to impress any watching clubs, that can only be a good thing. As long as he's fit, his signing could yet prove to be important. We might even stay above Chesterfield in the table...

LATEST - KASSAM STAYS

Firoz Kassam has announced his decision to stay at Oxford, and fight the battle for the Minchery Farm developments on two fronts.

1. He and the City Council will continue to fight for the original multiplex planning permission at a Judicial Review to be held during the summer. The date for this JR is expected to be late May or early June.
2. But so as not to have all eggs in one basket, a new planning permission application for the multiplex will also be submitted. This new application will attempt to avoid the issues raised by Pentith and Thames Water.

KASSAM ANNOUNCMENT EXPECTED TODAY

It could be another of those important days for Oxford United today, with FK expected to break his silence over his future plans for the club, after speaking to City Councillors. Kassam has said, whatever his decision, that what he will be doing "will be in the best interests of Oxford United."

Kassam has held talks with the Council, his lawyers and even potential new investors during the course of the week. Kassam has already indicated that he would consider selling the club - "I will do my best for the club and if it's a matter of handing over to someone else, I will make sure it's done properly."

The Council meanwhile are investigating the interesting option of reapplying for the multiplex planning permission, but this time addressing the issues raised by Pentith and Thames Water. They estimate that such a re-application might take just two months, whilst the JR is still about three months away. Council leader, John Tanner, reasserted his continued support for the club, saying, "Kassam or no Kassam, the city council will stick with Oxford United and work with them to ensure completion of their new stadium."

CAMBRIDGE PREVIEW

Oxford will still be without Joey Beauchamp tomorrow, thanks to his groin injury, but Pål Lundin will return to the squad. Richard Knight is likely to keep the Swede on the bench though. The starting line-up is likely to be unchanged from Tuesday's winning team at Bury, with Lundin for Edwards the only modification to the squad of sixteen.

Cambridge have an injury list to rival Oxford's, with goalscoring midfielder Tom Youngs and keeper Shaun Marshall the latest to enter the treatment room. Loan signing Lionel Perez will fill in for Marshall, meaning former U's loan star, Arjan van Heusden, stays on the bench. Cambridge's other deadline signing, Jonathon Hunt, has picked up an ankle injury and will not play. Three players face late fitness tests - midfielders Neil Mackenzie and John Hansen, plus right-back Jason Kavanagh. Clive Wilson (now 38) may return to the side.

One player eager to do well against Oxford is midfielder Paul Wanless, who came through the YTS setup at the Manor. Denis Smith was the manager who rejected him at Oxford, and Wanless has openly admitted that he'd "love to put one over Denis Smith on Saturday." Despite that, he has no complaints over the way he was treated at Oxford, and still supports the club.

NEWTON FITNESS PROBLEMS?

A couple of further question marks have been raised over the fitness of new signing Eddie Newton, who is sidelined with a "minor" shin injury. Firstly there is a report on the official Brum website to the effect that Newton may require an operation on his injury (dated 15 March, so fairly recent). Secondly Barry Fry has been quoted as saying he tried to take Newton to Peterborough recently, but pulled out because the player wasn't fit. Oh good.

NOBODY SOLD!

The transfer deadline went quietly yesterday, with few big deals countrywide, and no players being sold by Oxford. The only transfer involving the U's was the arrival of Birmingham midfielder Eddie Newton on a free transfer until the end of the season. (Memo to Denis : Like Forest, Birmingham are NOT a Premiership side.) Let's hope he has more impact than last year's deadline signing, Michael Williams of Burnley. Yes, you'd forgotten about him, hadn't you?

Saturday's opponents, Cambridge United, made two impressive loan signings, Newcastle keeper Lionel Perez and attacking midfielder and set-piece specialist Jonathon Hunt of Sheffield Utd. Unlike Newton (bruised shin), both will be available for tomorrow's important relegation match. Cambridge also signed former Watford midfielder Danny Grieves on a free transfer.

Other relegation rivals involved in transfer deals yesterday were Blackpool, who bought Manchester United and Liverpool youngsters in Richard Wellens (undisclosed fee) and Eifion Jones (free), and Bury, who sold Andy Woodward to Sheffield United but brought in Stoke striker Dean Crowe on loan. No change at Chesterfield, Cardiff or Scunthorpe.

LATEST - NEWTON SIGNS

Oxford have signed former Chelsea and Birmingham midfielder, Eddie Newton, on a free transfer (not loan) until the end of the season. Newton was released by Birmingham yesterday "by mutual consent" after not being able to fit into the team at St Andrews. Newton currently has a slight shin injury, and will not be fit for Saturday's match at Cambridge. Newton says he wants to use the move to Oxford to "kickstart his career again".

Midfielder Newton, 28, who can also play in central defence, joined Birmingham from Chelsea (on a Bosman-free) in the summer on a two year contract, but was deemed too similar to Martin O'Connor to break into the first team. He has played just four league games this season, starting just two, and has not featured since October. Previously Newton had made nearly 200 top-flight appearances with Chelsea. He is considered a "holding" midfield player, whose main job is to break up opposition attakcs, and is an accomplished tackler. He scored for Chelsea in the 1997 FA Cup Final.

Denis can still sign a player on loan if he wants to, but indications are that he won't. There are unlikely to be any outgoing transfers either, as Denis said, "I just turned all my telephones off. I haven't turned down any bids for any players and I don't expect there to be any bids. I know there is always speculation but normally anything like that would come through a lot earlier than now. It would be impossible to do any big deal between now and 5 o'clock."

TRANSFER DEADLINE

Denis has been told he can bring in one player on loan (oh, the excitement) before today's transfer deadline. A source tells me that he was watching the reserve match between Coventry and Nottingham Forest last night. As he's said that he's after a Premiership player, it would suggest that a Coventry player could be on his shortlist. His earlier, rejected move for Newcastle's Paul Robinson would suggest a striker is his priority. Unfortunately I doubt it'll be anyone half as good as Noel Whelan (who is on the transfer list for just £4 million). More likely it's Paul Hall...

Given that Denis seems to think Forest are a Premiership side (he mentioned he was bringing in a Premiership player just before he got Edwards on loan), don't rule out the prospect of a Forest striker either!

Central News are reportedly speculating that we are to sign former Chelsea "favourite" Eddie Newton, just released by Birmingham, on loan. But if he's been released by Brum, who are we actually borrowing him from?

Oh, and Paul Hall has joined Walsall on a free, so we're not getting him.

INTEREST IN POWELL CONTINUES

An article in the Newcastle Evening Chronicle has confirmed that Newcastle United have had scouts watching Paul Powell, and that like most observers they were "very impressed" with his performance against Notts County last Saturday. The article also claims that Newcastle may use striker Paul Robinson, for whom Oxford have had a loan bid turned down, as bait for Powell. According to the paper, Denis has said that Powell would cost £2 million.

There is also an unsubstantiated rumour that Powell is to hold talks with Derby County today.

POOR OLD SUPERKEV

Kevin Francis' injury in just his third match for Stockport has been confirmed as a ruptured Achilles tendon. He will be out for months again, and this injury could herald the end of his career.

TIMES ARTICLE

There's a brief article in today's Times about the relegation picture in division two, which appears originally to be a feature on Cambridge v Oxford, but quickly moves on to other things. It still manages a full quota of crap boat race comparisons and puns...

There's a slightly better preview at ZOOfootball, apart from the inaccuracies about the completion of the new ground!

PLAY TO WIN
(BURY 1 OXFORD 2)

We hadn't won against Bury since 1980 (actually that's only five matches), but last night we did, despite conceding an equaliser two minutes from time. The new-found passion evident against Notts County showed again as Oxford immediately raced to the other end and scored the last minute winner (through Jamie Cook) that their play throughout the match had deserved. The U's had created chance after chance, especially in the first half, and only good saves from Paddy Kenny had prevented Oxford from adding to Derek Lilley's 9th minute goal.

Oxford are now outside the relegation zone, having moved above Cambridge, who conceded a last minute equaliser last night, and Scunthorpe, who also drew. The six-pointer at the Abbey on Saturday is still crucial - if we can win that, then thoughts of staying up might once more be countenanced.

WEST BROM GIVE UP

Gary Megson, the West Brom manager, has reportedly given up hope of signing Paul Powell before tomorrow's transfer deadline. I should hope so.

Meanwhile Powell has stated that he would only consider leaving Oxford to join a Premiership side. According to Powell, "I'm happy at the moment, but if I get a chance to play in the Premier League ? everybody's got ambitions to play in the Premier League haven't they? But at the moment, everything is pure speculation and nothing has been said. As far as I'm concerned, I'm playing at Oxford United and I'll just get on with my football. I love it here, it's my home-town club."

NO SALES BEFORE DEADLINE

Denis Smith once again confirmed that we would not be selling any players before the transfer deadline tomorrow. He said, "I don't expect any of my players to be going before the end of the season."

INJURIES DEPLETE CAMBRIDGE

It gets better and better. Not only did our relegation rivals Cambridge concede an equaliser five minutes into injury time last night, but they also lost three crucial players through injury, with at least two of them already ruled out of Saturday's match against the "Mighty" Yellows. Goalkeeper Shaun Marshall and striker Tom Youngs both went off with pulled muscles, whilst midfielder Neil Mackenzie might yet play on Saturday after going off last night with a head injury. This adds to Cambridge's already lengthy injury list - let's just hope Oxford can take advantage.

FRANCIS INJURED AGAIN

In just his third match for Stockport, poor old Super Kev was injured yet again. Some reports suggest an ankle injury, others an Achilles. It looks like he must be nearing the end of his career - we probably moved him on at about the right time, poor fellow.

BURY PREVIEW

Oxford make their favourite trip of the season tonight, to Gigg Lane, home of stylish football and very few points (for Oxford anyway). Bury are slipping towards the relegation zone, with no wins in their last six games, but are still seven points (plus games in hand) ahead of Oxford, so a win for the Shakers will go a long way towards making them safe. Like Oxford, Bury have their problems, and are likely to have to sell at least one of their more prominent players (such as Nick Daws, Chris Swailes and Andy Woodward) before Thursday's deadline. A recent cash crisis has meant Bury having to put all their players up for sale. Sounds familiar.

Swailes, Woodward and Paul Barnes are all struggling with injury and unlikely to feature for Bury tonight. Player-boss Andy Preece is likely to partner Baichung Bhutia up front. Meanwhile Steve Davis and Pål Lundin may return to the Oxford squad after injury. Jon Shepheard drops out with an achilles injury. Christian Edwards plays his last match on loan before returning to Nottingham Forest.

Joey Beauchamp will not play tonight, and there are doubts over his fitness for the rest of the season. According to Denis, Joey's groin problem is not minor. "We know how serious the problem is but we don't want to depress people too much, that's why we haven't announced anything," said Denis, evidently not realising the irony of his making this announcement.

According to the Oxford Mail, just 14 U's fans have booked on the supporters' coach. We'll have a nosiy away end then...

LOAN BID REJECTED

Newcastle have turned down a loan bid from Oxford for their 21 year old reserve striker, Paul Robinson.

NOGAN JOINS CARDIFF

An unimportant story amidst the current backdrop, but somebody out there might like to know that Kurt Nogan, an Oxford target earlier this season, has joined his home-town club - and our relegation rivals - Cardiff City in a £100,000 deal.

"GANG OF FOUR" MAY RETURN

The Gang of Four may make a comeback. "I Love A Man In A Uniform", etc., etc. No not the fabulous post-punkers, nor the Chinese Communists from whom they took their name, but Jim Rosenthal's merry band. With Kassam appearing uncertain of his long-term future at the club, Rosenthal, Bower, Bailey and Dewar are again making takeover noises.

Long-time Oxford fan, Rosenthal, said "We're watching the situation with interest. It's very sad what has happened on the football side of things. We would have to look at everything that has happened in the last year, but we're watching it with interest."

Last summer, the consortium offered to buy Kassam's shares, accusing him of not being 100% behind the club. They had, they said, an immediate £1.5 million to invest in the team. FOUL has always considered them very much second best to Kassam, with insufficient funding to deal with all the problems the club faces. After FOUL asked the Gang to pull out, they did so. But now it appears they are ready to step in if the worst happens and Kassam decided to sell the club.

Kassam has said in the past few days, "I will do a proper hand-over if there is a future for the club. I've got to find somebody who is prepared to step in. I need to speak to a few people and make my decision after that. There have been people in the past who were interested and obviously, if they still are, I'm sure they'll be picking up the telephone."

VULTURES GATHER WITH DERISORY OFFERS

Ever noticed how football clubs gather around to offer succour to clubs that are in trouble? No, nor have I. What I have noticed is a tendency to rip what remaining meat there is off the bones of an ailing club. Reportedly Reading have offered a crazy £100,000 for Joey Beauchamp. Yes, he could leave for Bosman-free in the summer, but that is only because our financial position is such that Kassam feels unable to offer contracts until we know which division we'll be playing in next season. (If it's Ryman division three, I guess Joey won't be there.)

Secondly West Ham have apparently put in a bid for Powell, following up West Brom's earlier interest. A separate report indicates that Powell has turned down a move to a Premier club (West Ham?) because he feels he owes it to the club and fans to help us out of our difficulty. Better get yourself another agent, Powelly - that isn't how football works these days. Dog eat dog - it's the only way. Heartless capitalism rules ok.

It has been revealed that West Brom's offer for Powell was a paltry £300,000. Thankfully FK turned it down post-haste. Reading's offer for Joey was similarly rejected. Scouts from Newcastle were apparently at the Manor on Saturday, watching Powell. Wigan, secouring the country for a left back, are also keen on the 21 year old.

DENIS - WE'RE NOT SELLING

Denis Smith repeated the assurances given by FK, saying, "I've got a couple of clubs sniffing around a couple of my players and I'm wondering 'Will I have to sell them?' The answer is no. We're going to have a go at it, we're not going to sell the players."

I also enjoyed Denis' statement after the Notts County game : "At least other results went for us. Fortunately, everybody else is as bad as us."

KASSAM TO STAY (FOR NOW)

Firoz Kassam was reportedly "too emotional" (what?) to appear on the pitch at half-time yesterday, but a statement from him was read over the PA system. He basically said he was standing by the club for now, and that he has already written to the FLA (Football Licensing Authority) to ask for special dispensation to play at the Manor next season, despite the fact that our terraces still fall foul of the new "Safe Terracing" legislation. Kassam also said he wanted to do his best to keep the club in the second division. Not much hope there now.

Kassam's actual words to the press after the court verdict were as follows : "I will decide over the weekend how long I want to carry on and I have got meetings with lawyers on Monday. I wasn't really asking for offers, I am just saying that if there is anybody out there who has got any suggestions as to how we can take this on, they should come forward. I'm not walking away though. It's not right for me to stop something I have started."

FOUL met with FK after the match, and he again stated that he would not be walking out on the club. He is however looking for outside assistance with the funding of the club. It seems iunlikely though that building will start on the Minchery Farm site until the Judicial Review has been heard (and, by implication, won by the Council) and agreement has been reached over the Morrells covenant. So we are in the hands of the FLA - if they don't let us play at the Manor next season, we are stuffed.

On the playing side, Kassam said that he would be allowing Denis some money to spend before Thursday's transfer deadline, if it would help to keep us in this division. However he said he could not offer out-of-contract players (including Watson, Joey and Folland) new contracts until he knows which division we will be in. Their current wage demands are apparently too high to support on division three attendances.

SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO?
(OXFORD 2 NOTTS COUNTY 3)

The match was very much overshadowed by events off the pitch. Until FK"s half-time statement, nobody was sure whether he would stay or go, and much gallows humour resulted. The game itself was the archetypal game of two halves, and it also showed that Denis Smith may have some managerial nous after all. The formation that started the match (5-3-2 in Joey's absence) played with little skill and no conviction, and Oxford were lucky to be ahead even for five minutes. 3-1 down at half-time was about right.

But then, amazingly, Denis made some brave decisions. He switched to the much more effective 4-4-2, replaced the ineffectual Jemson with the criminally underused Ben Abbey, shoved Derek Lilley on one wing, sub Jamie Cook on the other, removed the useless Edwards, and gave the message "attack". Balls were suddenly played to feet, Abbey looked far more motivated (and neat) than anything seen in the first half, and Oxford were sudeenly well on top. Notts County were probably lucky to get the three points in the end. Powell scored a penalty, and forced an excellent save from Ward that denied his hat-trick. Oxford penned COunty back in their own half. Wyy didn't we play like this in the first half? If we had we'd have won easily.

For once the team were clapped off after a home defeat. It was actually quite an enjoyable match. Shame about the result. We're still going down...

A mention must go to Notts County's Matt Redmile (no 5). He is quite the lardiest and least skilled player I have yet seen at the Manor (and there's been a lot of competition). Basically he's the Incredible Hulk. His defensive skills consisted entirely of using his bulk to shove people over. How he managed just thge one booking is beyond me. But he was amusing to watch. I don't think he was an intentionally violent player, just crap. We'll probably buy him this week.

POWELL BID TURNED DOWN

Firoz Kassam has confirmed that Oxford have turned down a written offer (amount unspecified) from West Brom for Paul Powell. FK says he will not let the club sell its best players. Not until we're relegated anyway. West Brom have been interested in Powell ever since Denis Smith was there as manager, when Powell turned down the chance to move there after an offer had been accepted.

BAD NEWS - JUDICIAL REVIEW GRANTED

Oh dear. Justice Hidden has found in Pentith's favour, meaning that a Judicial Review into the planning permission for a multiplex at Minchery Farm will go ahead. This could cause a delay of many months, and Kassam may walk away. But apart from that everything's rosy.

Effectively the judge ruled that it was "arguable" that the council had failed to follow planning regulations properly when granting permission for the Minchery Farm multiplex cinema. Thus a Judicial Review should be granted to fully explore this argument.

One slightly positive point amidst the wreckage is the fact that the judge announced that he wanted the JR to be sped through the system, meaning that it should take place in the summer. Oxford City Council has 28 days in which to submit its side of the story.

By the way, Oxford have an agreement with the Football League to be allowed to use the Manor for next season (or part thereof) only if work has restarted on the new ground. So the worst case is that we could be thrown out of the league. Given the info that Barnet fans unearthed, that the League is keen to reduce its membership by two to allow a reduction in premiership size, we might not get League support on this issue.

Kassam has announced that he will make a statement later in the day. His initial reaction was, "I am gutted. I definitely thought the verdict would go our way but that's not happened and I've got to think about what happens now. I've just come out of the courtroom and have made an urgent call to the council to request a meeting to look at all the repercussions." According to the Press Association report, Kassam has said he is considering offers from anyone who'd like to buy the club. As if anyone would right now.

Comment from Oxford City Council (in the form of deputy leader Maureen Christian) was, "I am confident that our decision to give permission for cinema use at that site will be vindicated."

Want to tell Pentith Ltd what you think of them for landing us in the brown stuff? Write or phone :

Pentith Ltd
147 London Rd South
Poynton
Stockport
Cheshire SK12 1LG
Tel: 01625 871184

MORRELLS SERVE INJUNCTION

Actually, there's more trouble. Those lovely people at Morrells have served an injunction on Kassam to stop him building the stadium. Are they actually allowed to do this? We're not actually serving any alcohol there yet. Keep up the boycott, folks...

Their spokesperson will make the brewery even more popular with U's fans with the following rather inflammatory statement :

"I can confirm that we have issued proceedings. But we want to stress that it covers the whole development at Minchery Farm ? not the stadium alone. We have always said that ours is not the major issue facing Oxford United, rather that it is the judicial review. This morning's events in the High Court have shown this."

NOTTS COUNTY PREVIEW

Yes, football does still go on, even though most of the time legal battles seem to predominate. Despite Lundin's return to fitness, Richard Knight will keep his place in goal tomorrow, after an impressive performance at Preston. Joey Beauchamp will play if he gets through training today, in which case the side will revert to a 4-4-2 formation, with Christian Edwards dropped to the bench. If Joey is absent, Denis will stick with three centre backs.

Striker Duane Darby returns for County after suspension, but defender Ian Richardson is a doubt with a foot injury. Striker Kevin Rapley is also unlikely to play. U's fans will be surprised to know that Alex Dyer (now 34) is holding down a place in County's three man central defence, alongside former Oxford loan man, Mark Warren.

DENIS CALLS IN THE SHRINK

According to the Oxford Mail, Denis has received a letter from a sports psychologist eager to help the players. "I've had a letter from a psychologist who works a lot with cricketers and athletes. He is offering his services and I want to talk to him," said Denis. He wants to know why the team plays so badly at home. Nothing to do with tactical naivete, I suppose.

The younger members of the squad (e.g. Powell and Cook) already receive assistance from a sports psychologist, Dr Shea, who works with them without charge.

Shock revelations show that there is a Yellow Fever tie in to this story. A shady member of the YF editorial team (and no it's not me) contacted the sports psychologist in question, one Pete Cohen, who has worked with Steve Backley, Roger Black and Cheltenham Town, and asked if he'd be interested in helping the Oxford United players. He agreed to do the work for costs only, to help out the club. The same editor wrote to Denis himself (well, a cat may look at a king, as they say) and suggested that he should give Cohen a try. Denis has expressed interest, which is more than Shotton did when approached last season.

COURTROOM NEWS

LATEST - Justice Hidden will announce the decision of the Court at 10.30am tomorrow. It will take about an hour to read the decision (bloody hell!), so we should know whether it's good or bad news just before midday. Unless there's another delay.

EARLIER - It is possible that Justice Hidden will reach a decision today, but a more likely date is tomorrow. Certainly it shouldn't drag on longer than that, though with Oxford United one really never knows. The main reason that the judge would be likely to rule in Pentith's favour is the much-mentioned "sequential test". Basically this is a part of local planning legislation which states that sites for a development should be loooked at sequentially in the order of their distances from the town/city centre, starting with the site closest to the centre. As Oxpens is closer to Oxford city centre than Minchery Farm, Pentith wqould argue that the Oxpens site should have been considered ahead of the Minchery Farm site for the propsed multiplex.

But there is also another strand of planning legislation (PPG17) which makes a special case for developments that aid football clubs. Clearly this is applicable to our case. What matters is how the the judge balances the two planning guidelines.

KASSAM COULD WALK

FK gave a scary interview to Central News yesterday in which he rather cryptically alluded to the fact that if the High Court verdict goes against the Council (and thus the club), he may consider cutting his losses and walking out on the club. Hmm...

SURPRISE, SURPRISE - RESERVES LOSE
 

The reserves lost 1-0 at home to Southend last night, with Didcot Town's Alex Deadman having a reasonable game in goal. Apparently the U's never looked like scoring (they evidently use the same tactics as the first team then), but Jamie Cook impressed most. Rumour has it that a scout from Kidderminster Harriers was watching Ben Abbey. Steve Davis lasted just 45 minutes on his comeback from injury - he left the field with a dead leg.

TRESOR IS TOPS

Tresor Lua Lua made it into the Opta division two team of the week for his performance for ColU against Oxford on Saturday. Apparently Lua Lua, linked with Spurs this week, "embarked on nine dribbles in the match with Oxford, gliding and weaving past the yellow shirts with ease. He also fired two efforts on target and three wide of the nets". Now you know.

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE ON TOP OF THE WORLD?
(PRESTON 3 OXFORD 1)
Oxford matched Preston for most of last night's match, but defensive errors let in Preston for a crucial second goal, and from then on the result was in no doubt. Jon Macken's personal goal battle with Steve Anthrobus continued. I'll let you guess which one of the two scored. Brett Angell helped himself to a couple, whilst Matt Murphy got his first goal in two months to reach fifteen for the season. Richard Knight performed heroics in the Oxford goal onace again, but must wish he was playing behind a more consistent defence.

Preston went top with this victory, whilst the U's stayed anchored in the bottom four. Whilst we never really expected anything from this match, it is galling that defensive errors - rather than being generally outclassed - once again cost us any reward. A win over Notts County on Saturday is now a must. Please let them score another late own goal...

DENIS STILL BULLISH

Whatever criticisms one may have of Denis (and there are many), lack of optimism is one charge that cannot be levelled at him. After commenting that the U's had last night matched Preston all the way, but had given away goals through stupid individual errors, he said, "I'm confident these lads have got it in them to get these results they need. We were a first division club last year. The players have got to believe they are first division players and if we can stay up this season, next year we'll go up and get back in the first division."

He went on, "Everybody is saying we don't look like a relegation side, but that's not much consolation. I prefer to play badly and win."

RESERVES PLAY TONIGHT

The reserves play Southend at the Manor tonight (kick-off 7.30pm), attempting to end their long run without a win. The second stringers haven't won since early November. At least that should make the first team feel good.

Four of last night's five substitutes start the reserve match, namely Abbey, Cook, Folland and Lewis. Trialist goalkeeper Alex Deadman of Didcot Town also plays, as does Steve Davis on his return from injury.

PENTITH DECISION LATER IN THE WEEK...

Justice Peter Hidden has deferred the decision on the JR appeal until later in the week (possibly Friday). The case closed for the day at about 2.30pm. Why are there always delays in every decision involving Oxford United???

PRESTON TONIGHT

The U's make the difficult trip to Preston tonight, to take on the 2nd placed team in the division, who hammered Oxford 4-0 at the Manor only last month. Preston's away from has been what's kept them in the promotion places, and they haven't won in their last four home league matches. No doubt that will change tonight though, as they looked a class or two above Oxford in the previous encounter.

Richard Knight may well be in goal, as Pål Lundin is still recovering from an ankle injury. Hopefully he won't be behind as inept a defence as in the last match he started, when the U's lost 5-0 to Bristol Rovers. Knight perfomed heroics to keep the tally down in that match. Joey Beauchamp will be absent with a groin injury for the second match in succession. Matt Murphy and Les Robinson face late fitness tests, but both are expected to play.

Preston are without captain Sean Gregan, and give a late fitness test to winger Iain Anderson. They're strength up front is such that they can leave former Oxford target Kurt Nogan on the bench, with Jon Macken and Brett Angell the front pairing.

REPORT FROM THE COURTROOM

News has filtered through from the courtroom where Pentith and British Rail Properties (or rather their lawyers) have been trying to convince the judge to grant them the Judicial Review. The session has finished for the day (at 4.20pm) and the hearing will continue tomorrow. Five factors have been mentioned by the various lawyers as reasons that the multiplex decision was a bad one :

• The Oxford Local Plan states that Minchery Farm development should be complimentary to Oxpens development, not replacing it;
• Oxford City Council sold the MF land to FK, and thus they had a financial interest in granting the planning permission;
• The so-called "sequential test" was not followed for the planning decision (effectively a complaint that Oxpens and other City Centre sites were not considered for the multiplex);
• The multiplex development at MF would have an adverse effect on the value of Rail Properties' land at Oxpens;
• The main defence of the club and council, namely PPG17 which allows out-of-town developments if related to football stadium development, should not apply as work on the football stadium had already begun prior to the multiplex permission being sought.

Tomorrow the Council lawyers get to speak, which is good, as the judge does then get to hear another side of the story.

FK and FOUL came away from the hearing feeling pessimistic, apparently, so events are perhaps not going too well for us at the moment.

Kassam made the following cyptic statement before the hearing commenced : "It would be very disappointing if we lose but I won't comment on what my plans are until after the hearing."

John Tanner, leader of Oxford City Council, had said, "We are fairly confident that the judicial review will not be granted."

PENTITH FIXTURE TODAY

A large hurdle in Oxford's path may be crossed today if the High Court decides against Nick Pentith. As you all will know by now, Pentith is appealing the decision not to grant him a Judicial Review into the multiplex planning permission at Minchery Farm. Today he gets to present his case to Justice Hidden (yes, that's the judge's surname). There is no opposite point of view to be given - the judge will simply decide whether Pentith and friends have enough of a case for a JR or not.

Many fans feel that this issue is in fact far more critical to Oxford's future than the Morrells covenant, which will eventually be settled with some form of financial agreement. If Pentith wins his JR today, the case could drag on for months or even years. I suspect Kassam has never intended to start rebuilding work down on the Farm until he hears today's result. Let's hope it goes our way.

The hearing begins at 11.15am, and Nick Pentith has turned up, so it should be settled one way or the other today...

Latest (2.30pm) : BBC local radio has just reported that the verdict may only be known tomorrow. More waiting...

KNIGHT RETURNS

Richard Knight has returned for another month on loan at Oxford. Denis Smith made the move after Pål Lundin joined Andre Arendse on the injury list. Lundin injured an ankle during the 2-1 win at Colchester, but was forced to play on as Oxford had no keeper on the bench. Youth keeper Phil Wilson currently has a thumb injury. Lundin may yet be fit enough to play at Preston tomorrow, but, if not, Knight will deputise.

Knight, who had made it clear that he would like a permanent deal at Oxford, was pleased with the second month. "I was disappointed to leave last time. I got on in my last game when we beat Wycombe 1-0 and I was very disappointed when I returned to Derby. They are a good bunch of lads here at Oxford and I enjoyed my previous month here. When I got the phone call yesterday, I jumped at the opportunity."

Craig Russell has returned to Man City after his month at Oxford, meaning Knight and Edwards are now filling the two loan spots at the Manor.

FLYNN SWINGS IT FOR KEV

Kevin Francis admitted that it was a chance converstaion with his friend Mike Flynn (captain of Stockport) which led to his return to Edgeley Park. Kev had given up all hope of playing at first division level again, and said that when Flynn had suggested a Stockport return, "I thought he was kidding but it all snowballed from there." Francis played the full 90 minutes of Saturday's match, but coudn't prevent a 1-0 home loss to West Brom.

JUST WHO IS THE 5 O'CLOCK HERO?
(COLCHESTER 1 OXFORD 2)

Phil Whelan was the surprising injury time hero as he stabbed home a scrambled goal whilst sitting down in the area. This late goal ended a second half dominated by the home side who equalised a first-half goal from Simon Weatherstone, and could then easily have gone on to win the match. Pål Lundin's recent lapses can be forgotten as he made several good saves to deny the ColU forwards, led by the impressive Tresor Lua-Lua.

This morning I decided to myself that if we didn't win this game, we were as good as down. Well, we did win. Other results mean the U's still find themselves in the bottom four, but at least there is now some hope. The next battle is off the pitch, in the High Court on Monday. Let's hope we do as well in that one...

PENTITH CASE ON MONDAY

The High Court in London will welcome Nick Pentith and friends on Monday, as he appeals against the rejection of his Judicial Review (JR) application. Officially it is Oxford City Council that he is up against, but really it is Oxford United who would lose out if he won the right to a JR. Apparently the Council have no right to reply at this hearing, so it will be a "listen with Nick" session.

The hearing will take place in Court Room 2 (of the High Court in Strand/Fleet Street, London), commencing at 10.30am on Monday. Anyone is free to attend the session.

STOCKPORT FANS WELCOME BACK HERO

The majority of Stockport fans seem ecstatic at the return of Big Kev, despite reservations about his fitness. The following piece from a Stockport site takes a more balanced view, and is fairly well-judged:

Big news! I have been told that County have signed Kevin Francis back, initially until the end of the season. He is expected to start against West Brom on Saturday, after being released by Oxford United on a free. Now this is either going to be very good, or very risky. He has a problem with his knees, but it could just be the boost we need.

COLCHESTER PREVIEW

Craig Russell will play the last match of his unsuccessful loan spell tomorrow, when the U's travel to Essex to take on Colchester United. When he arrived, Russell had said that he didn't mind if he didn't score as long as the team picked up maximum points. Well, sadly for Craig, they haven't done that either. Russell is likely to team up with Jemson once again, despite the fact that neither has yet scored a goal.

With Andre Arendse ruled out, Lundin will return in goal, and five outfield players will be on the bench. Joey Beauchamp may miss out with his recurrent groin injury, in which case Derek Lilley, who has played really well as sub in the last two matches, will take his place in midfield. Thankfully Steve Anthrobus is injured, and thus U's fans will be spared the site of his pointless labouring (or rather lack of labour). Christian Edwards is also struggling with an injury, but may be fit enough to play.

Colchester will be without captain Richard Wilkins and full back Joe Dunne, whilst striker Steve McGavin faces a late fitness test.

GOODBYE KEV

Kevin Francis is on his way back to Cheshire (or is it Greater Manchester in these days of unitary authorities?), and rejoining the club where he had his greatest success, Stockport County. This is a somewhat surprising upwards move for a striker who cannot make the starting line-up of a struggling second division side. Francis, 32, scored 88 league goals in four seasons at Edgeley Park ('91 to '95), and was recently voted Stockport's 'Local Hero' by the club's fans. This may though seem like a desperation signing from Stockport boss Andy Kilner, who was recently given a vote of confidence after his team's appalling sequence of results.

Denis expects the move, a free transfer, to go through without a hitch. "I expect the move to be completed either today or tomorrow morning." He also praised Kev's attitude to the game, which has never been in doubt. "He had a great attitude, was brilliant in the dressing room and is a fine example for any young pro to follow."

Carlisle United have thus missed out on a player that they have been hoping to sign for a couple of weeks. They were still today trying to sign permanently one of their two on-loan players in a bid to free up a loan spot for Francis. But now it looks like being too late for them.

SMITH THE PSYCHOLOGIST

Denis Smith will play the psychologist (an interesting thought) to get to the bottom of the loss of the 'Fortress Manor' factor this season. "I am at a loss to understand it. I will have to go into their [the players'] psyche a bit and see what reasons they can give me. We will have a long chat and see what we can get out of it. We can always take something out of a game - whether it's good or bad." (normally bad this season...)

Perhaps feeling that last week's outburst against the treatment of Anthrobus by the fans was not going to endear him, Denis turned on the charm this time around. "The supporters are on our side. I think they have been brilliant. They have not had a go at the players. We cannot blame playing at home as an excuse." Sorry, Denis, I still don't love you.

And I'll leave the best bit to last : "We have some difficult games coming up, but we have got to keep people bubbly and bouncing. It can't just be me that's bubbly and bouncing - it's got to be the players."

ARENDSE OUT

Andre Arendse will miss Saturday's trip to the delights of Layer Road (like we can talk), after his shoulder injury suffered on Tuesday night. However he received the good news that nothing is broken. His return date is as yet unknown. As youth keeper, Phil Wilson, has a broken thumb, there will be no goalkeeping cover for Lundin on Saturday. Craig Russell returns to Man City after that match, so Oxford will then be able to bring in loan goalkeeping cover if required.

LOW
(OXFORD 1 READING 3)

This represents a low for Oxford in many ways. The lowest league position in thirty-odd years. The lowest feeling after a result for the supporters for many a long year. The lowest level of performance from highly paid players that anyone could imagine. And I feel even lower for having been foolish enough to believe that Denis Smith could have been a solution of sorts.

I feel thankful now that I could not make it to this match, the first home match I've missed this season. Judging by the reports from other fans, this was a performance below all others this season. Defensive errors by Edwards, Arendse (who later suffered a dislocated shoulder) and Powell let in soft goals. The team refused to battle, as any team must to avoid relegation in this position. Last night I happened to walk past the Abbey Stadium (Cambridge) just as their match against Bristol City was ending. A loud cheer confirmed my worst fears. There is a team that, despite recently selling its best player, is knuckling down and getting results at this crucial stage. We're not doing that, and we will be relegated.

No defence, no midfield, no strike-force. Yet many of the players are better than our position suggests. No tactics, no passion, no leadership. Players and manager alike need a change in attitude, and a bit of humility. But it's too late now...

Denis wins no prizes for humility with his transferance of blame. "I want to apologise to the fans, but I feel the players should be out here doing that. You can only do so much as a manager. Everybody thinks you can wave the magic wand and everything comes right. You try to give them the right advice, try to build them up right and the start was there, but when the pressure comes people start to panic, and that's a hard thing to change."

FEAR OUT FOR SEASON?

Peter Fear is likely to miss the rest of the season, joining Neil McGowan and Ross Weatherstone in watching from the sidelines as the U's get relegated. He saw a specialist yesterday about his ankle injury, and the verdict was a six to eight week lay off for Fear. This comes just as he was starting to play quite well.

FORDY GETS HIS TESTIMONIAL

At last some good news. Mike Ford has at last been granted the testimonial match he was promised for his ten years at the Manor. Manchester United will bring a reserve side to the Manor on Monday May 8 (kick-off 7.30pm). The match was agreed through Oxford's link with ManU, Steve McLaren. Yes, it is only a reserve side, but even so it may include those masters of skill, Jordi Cruyff and Henning Berg. (I'm being sarcastic by the way...)

Ford, an inspirational captain in his 338 appearances, is the sort of player whose leadership we need now. Since he left, we have had no natural leader on the field. It will be good to see Fordy run out in a Yellows shirt one more time at the Manor.

POWELL LINKED WITH WIGAN

Today's edition of The Sun links Paul Powell with a £1 million move to rich-kids Wigan Athletic. One thing you can be sure of - if he does go, it will be for a lot less money. That's the way we do things at Oxford...

READING NEWS

Oxford take on Reading at the Manor tonight, looking to keep out Reading's impressive striker force of Martin Butler and Nicky Forster (£1.5 million paid for the pair). But the man to look out for is midfielder Darren Caskey, wnated by a host of clubs, whom the Reading manager, Alan Pardew, has admitted is too good for the second division. Caskey has scored an incredible 17 goals from midfield this season (better even than Matt Murphy), and is also considered an excellent playmaker (unlike Matt Murphy). Phil "God" Whitehead is still recovering from injury, and will most likely be on the bench, meaning Scott Howie, famed for his atrocious kicking, will be in goal.

Peter Fear (ankle) is unavailable and Derek Lilley (sickness) is doubtful for Oxford, meaning that Denis could have a choice between youngster Dean Whitehead and oldster Mickey Lewis for the final midfield berth. Just days after announcing that Lilley is up for sale, Denis has announced himself impressed with the player. "Derek's been getting better and better since I've been here, in training as well, and he was excellent on Saturday."

The match is a virtual sell-out for away fans, so there should be a good (or rather, hostile) atmosphere...

MORRELLS ARTICLE IN IoS

The Independent on Sunday yesterday carried an article on the Morrells covenant and its effect on Oxford United. It includes interesting quotes from FK and Peter Large, commercial director of Morrells :

• FK : "We put an offer to them which expired on Wednesday. The building work was supposed to have started again 10 days ago. If we resolve the situation, the stadium will be finished by the end of the year."
• PL : "Morrells of Oxford is not responsible for any of the difficult circumstances in which Oxford United finds itself. It wishes to see the club prosper. However, it is not prepared to see the construction of the stadium used as an excuse for a larger commercial development which will ride roughshod over its rights."

Oxford were highly unlucky losers at Priestfield on Saturday, after the referee ignored an 89th minute foul on Andre Arendse which led to a goal for the Gills from Junior Lewis. Even Gillingham fans were amazed that the goal was allowed to stand. Oxford generally carved out the better chances (all missed as usual) and had much of the play, but suffered once again for their lack of goalscoring.

Arendse replaced Lundin in goal after the latter's nightmares of a week ago, whilst the returning Mark Watson and Phil Whelan formed the central defence. Paul Tait had recovered from his leg injury to join Peter Fear in central midfield. But it was substitute Derek Lilley who made the biggest impact. He came on for Fear, whose twisted ankle makes him a major doubt for tomorrow's match against Reading, late in the first half and linked play well behind the front two. Certainly of the strikers up for sale, he is the one I'd least like to see sold.

The controversial goal did not go down well with Denis, who remonstrated for some time with the officials. Both Paul Tait and Simon Weatherstone were booked in the aftermath of the goal. Not good. Smith said afterwards, "Even two of the Gillingham players said it was a poor decision."

Denis went on, "I know you're not allowed to say anything about them [the match officials], but everyone saw what happened. Andre went up for the ball and two of their players just attacked him. It's scandalous. I've spent the last month telling players they can't argue with referees and officials, I'm very much in favour of that, and people get fined. But when you get decisions like that, there's a breaking strain that everybody's got and that was well past it.

"The referee's got to make the proper decisions, whether there's a million people there, or whether there's one person there. They've got to be sensible decisions and that was not a sensible decision."

INJURY NEWS

Both Peter Fear and Joey Beauchamp went off injured during Saturday's match, but of the two only Fear is ruled out of the Reading match tomorrow. Fear will be having an x-ray on his injured ankle later today. Beauchamp was concussed by the ball, but has recovered, and will play tomorrow. Derek Lilley, however, has a stomach bug and is unlikely to be considered.

Young midfielder Dean Whitehead may be the beneficiary of the absences of Fear and Lilley. Whitehead, 18, made his only first team appearance in an AWS match. Denis said of Whitehead, "He looks to be a good young player. If we were in the middle of the table there would be no doubt that he would be starting tomorrow." Mickey Lewis may get the nod ahead of him though, especially given Smith's normal reluctance to throw young players into the first team.

MID-TABLE JUNIORS

A survey of junior supporters' clubs saw Oxford come a mid-table 44th out of the 92 league clubs. The survey by ZooFootball mentioned that Oxford's scored highly on customer service, but that the signed photograph of the Duke of Marlborough (the club president) was not popular with the kids. (In fact I am assured that the "club president" in this case is Paul Powell, not the Duke. So why is that so unpopular with the kids?)

TEN DAYS TO PENTITH

Pentith's High Court appeal against the rejection of his application for a Judicial Review is to be heard in ten days time, on Monday March 13th (thankfully not a Friday!?) Cast your minds back to November. That is how long ago it was that Pentith signalled that he would appeal. His original application for a JR was thrown out in late October. For those of you with dodgy memories, Pentith (and his buddies, the British Rail Properties Board) objects to the fact that planning permission has been granted for a multiplex at Minchery Farm, when his proposed multiplex at Oxpens was turned down a few years ago.

This hearing is actually considered the main threat to Oxford United's future, despite the high profile anti-Morrells campaign. If Pentith did win (unlikely, but possible) then there is a hugh threat that Kassam might decide to cut his losses and walk out on Oxford.

The hearing is in London, in the High Court on the corner of the Strand and Fleet Street. The hearing starts at 10.30 am. More details will be known next Friday, when the judge and court numbers are announced.

DENIS CRITICISES FANS

Denis Smith has once again spoken out against supporters who barracked Steve Anthrobus during the match with Wrexham. "I think the fans were not being fans and they've made life difficult for us because they had a go at Steve after his first mistake.

"He started OK, got a couple of crosses in but nobody got on the end of them, and he did his job and looked good. But the first mistake he made and the fans were on his back. Had it been Joey, nobody would have said anything. Obviously there's a section that don't like him and they're determined to criticise him. That's not being a supporter, that's not right and I'm not happy about that. They should support what we're trying to do.

"I will never point the finger at him and say he's not trying. He will always give you what he's got and you can't ask any more of that, so I'm not happy with people who criticise players who are honest."

Thanks for the advice, Denis. Now get back to doing your job please.

GILLINGHAM PREVIEW

Oxford travel to the Medway region tomorrow, to take on playoff-chasing Gillingham at Priestfield Stadium. The Gills' form has been inconsistent of late, but three successive wins (including Preston and Stoke) has seen them gather momentum in recent weeks.

Denis now has a plethora of centre-halves from whom to choose, and indications are that Christian Edwards will be dropped after an unconvincing first display against Wrexham. Mark Watson and Phil Whelan are the likely pairing. Joey Beauchamp is doubtful with a groin injury, but thought likely to play, with Derek Lilley standing by to step in on the wing. Paul Tait returns in midfield, replacing Steve Anthrobus (thankfully).

Former Oxford striker, Andy Thomson, who has been banging them in (12 goals so far) for Gillingham this season, may lose out to a partnership of Iffy Onuora and Carl Asaba up front. The latter came off the bench to score a brace against Preston after eight months out injured. Thomson, somewhat amazingly, is Gillingham's top scorer since the prolific Robert Taylor moved to Man City. Defenders Roland Edge and Barry Ashby are doubtful, with Mark Saunders and Marcus Browning definitely sidelined.

Denis Smith believes Oxford have nothing to fear from Gillingham. "I go back to the fact that this club was a first division club this time last season. We should be able to go to any place in this division without fear," said Smith.

SALES OPEN TODAY

FOX FM have reportedly announced that Oxford have put four strikers up for sale. Kevin Francis, Steve Anthrobus, Derek Lilley and Ben Abbey are all available, and Denis is apparently going to let other clubs know of their availability. This is evidently what Denis likes best about managing a football club - selling players on. He's always going on about how he convinced other managers about the quality of players he's sold. How he'll do that for Steve Anthrobus, though, is anyone's guess.

Does anybody else feel that Ben Abbey has been given no chance at all to prove himself? How many first team minutes has Denis given him? Not even one. And I also feel that Derek Lilley deserves more time - he has shown promise, if not as a goalscorer, then as a creative "link" player. But I know that many fans do not agree with me on this one! As for Big Kev and Bus Pass - well, the writing has been on the wall for some time.

HARRISON APPOINTED COACH OF BANGLADESH

Oxford United's former assitant manager, Mark Harrison, has been appointed manager of the Bangladeshi national team. Oxford's number two under Malcolm Shotton apparently has a "UEFA A Licence Diploma in Football Management". He will start in his new role on 25 March, and his first matches will be in a four-team tournament in the Maldives in May.

Harrison has apparently said that he intends gradually to introduce British playing methods to the Bangladeshi team. Sounds like fun...

RESERVES LOSE AGAIN

Oxford reserves continued their consistent form with another loss last night, 2-0 to Ipswich at the Manor. Apparently Lilley played well, but Francis and Abbey were appalling. Malcolm Crosby was spotted in the dug-out next to Denis "anybody wanna buy some theatre tickets?" Smith. How long until the diabolical duo are officially back together?

Carlisle had representation at the reserve match to watch Kevin Francis. Apparently six other clubs (including Cheltenham and Brentford) had scouts at the match. Presumably they were watching Ipswich players...

TAIT RETURNS TO FITNESS

Paul Tait has returned to training after recovering from the dead leg he received in training last week. Denis still seems to be blaming Staurday's defeat on Tait's absence, saying, "Everything had been planned around Tait. At no time in the week did we think he was not going to be involved. But it's good to see him back, and he seems quite OK."

RESERVES PLAY TONIGHT

Kevin Francis will be watched by scouts from Carlisle United assuming he plays for the reserves against Ipswich at the Manor tonight (kick-off 7.30pm). Carlisle want to take Francis on loan, and the fact that their goalkeeping crisis is over means that they will soon have a loan slot free for Francis. An interesting question is whether the Cumbrians realise that St Kitts and Nevis (for whom Francis plays internationally) have World Cup qualifying matches later this month.

Denis has denied that he has had any contact with Carlisle over Francis. This goes against what has been said by the third division side, who seem to suggest that they have a potential deal already agreed.

Rob Folland has been named in the reserve team starting line-up, so is not injured. Where was he on Saturday, Denis?

BLAKE DEAL UNCERTAIN

Young wing-back Mosiah Blake has "returned to West Brom" after they failed to agree a deal with Oxford to transfer Blake's registration to Oxford. Denis is unwilling to pay a fee for blake, whilst West Brom want some money for him. But why should they be entitled to any money? After all, the Baggies sacked him for disciplinary offences (thought to be ticketing infringements), so why do they have any claim on him now? This sounds like they are having their cake and eating it.

BOOKINGS REPRIEVE

It should be noted that this season, the five bookings rule expires at the end of February. Thus this season we should have no more players suspended for picking up bookings, and those who were close to their first nap hand can now rest easy (Powell, Tait, Lilley and Folland were all on three). This rule change was instituted in order to prevent clubs from losing many of their important players through suspension at the crunch end of the season. So even Steve "ten bookings" Davis might not be suspended again...