Laters, Taiters

Two more out of contract players, Paul Tait and Darren Patterson, have been told that their contracts will not be renewed at the end of the season. Both players are on high wages but have had significant lengths of time out injured, almost a year in Patterson's case. The club says that the door has been left open for them to sign, presumably though on much lower wages, and possibly dependent on whether or not there's a space for them after Ian Atkins' close season signings.

Meanwhile the Nationwide League site has linked Oxford with the £100,000 rated Mark Stallard of potentially relegated Notts County. Stallard is 27 and has been playing as an attacking midfielder for County, although this season he's found playing opportunities limited.

Meanwhile former United boss Jim Smith has been given his marching orders by Coventry City, ironically United's pre-season opponents at Minchery Farm. Midfielder Bobby Ford has also been released by Sheffield United. Ford was out of contract at the end of this season.

Babbling Brooks

Jamie Brooks found it difficult to find the right words after he was called upon to make three successive speeches at the Oxford United player of the year awards last night. Firstly he was awarded the Players' Player of the Year, followed by the Young Player of the Year and the Guy Salmon Player of the Year. In addition Brooks, the only bright spark of a gloomy season, was also named the Oxfordshire Media and Sports Writers Player of the Year. Brooks is almost certain to make a clean sweep of it by winning the Supporters Player of the Year, to be awarded before the Darlington game on Saturday. This year sees the inaugural Andrew Knapton Trophy, named after Nappy, the voice of the London Road.