Triallists and rumours

With the news that Paul Moody has a virus and won't be able to feature for United in their behind-closed-doors game at Derby on Saturday, Oxford's front line is starting to look distinctly threadbare. Andy Scott still hasn't recovered, Lee Steele is apparently not match fit yet (although presumably that's half the point of friendlies, so perhaps he will play), and Jamie Brooks is out of the frame for some time to come (although it's excellent news that he is now out of the intensive care unit and is over the worst).

One bit of good news in the forward department is that Manny Omoyinmi has signed a deal to extend his contract for another year, until 2004, presumably taking a bit of a salary drop in exchange for the added job security. In an attempt to strengthen the forward line Ian Atkins will be giving a trial to Bradford City's Gareth Grant, who was on trial at Halifax last week.

Meanwhile alleged midfield target Gareth Ainsworth is also being sought by Preston North End, and Wimbledon have also offered him a new contract, which he has yet to sign. There are also rumours abounding that former Bristol Rovers, Huddersfield and Gillingham midfielder Marcus Browning is a target of Atkins, although our good friends over at Minchery Farm Web have found an article which links Browning with Luton, but has us linked with the Gills' other out of contract midfielder Mark Saunders.