Pre-season shaping up

United's pre-season friendlies thus far:

• Sat July 13th: Oxford City (a)
• Mon July 15th: Thame United (a)
• Sat July 20th: Moor Green (a)
• Tues July 23rd: Kettering (a) – TBC
• Sun July 28th: Leicester City (h)
• Fri Aug 2nd: Southampton (h)

Yates lodged

Apparently Ian Atkins has been in talks with full back Steve Yates, released on a free transfer by Tranmere Rovers. Yates has also been linked with Bristol City and Sheffield United, so it would have to be a good sales pitch by Atkins to bring this 32 year old quality player to the Kassam Stadium. Atkins has also claimed to have spoken to the agent of former United midfielder Bobby Ford, released by Sheffield United, but his wage demands are almost certainly going to be more than the club would be willing to pay.