United signed two new players today, as the squad begins to take shape a couple of days before the first pre-season friendly. Alexandre Jeannin, a left back or left wing-back, has signed after being released by Hereford United. The former Exeter City and Darlington player has already claimed that United are the most professional of the English clubs he has played with, which is bound to endear him to all Oxford supporters. He will undoubtedly be asked to play in the same role that Gavin Johnson and the now retired Rufus Brevett occupied last season, although hopefully with a bit of youthful vigour, being a mere 30 years old.

Also signing today was Phil Trainer, formerly with Moor Green (now Solihull Moors). Trainer is quite highly regarded by those who follow non-professional football, and his arrival could soften the blow should the transfer-listed Andy Burgess eventually leave the club. Trainer will undoubtedly be nicknamed Adidas or Nike by his new team mates, or by us.

There has been no news yet about whether or not Joel Ledgister or Michael Corcoran have signed the contracts that they've been offered, which presumably means that they haven't. The two new lads will both play in Oxford's behind-closed-doors friendly with Bristol Rovers today, and will also most likely feature in Oxford's opening friendly at Didcot Town on Saturday, where we will see most of the potential first-teamers, plus a few triallists, getting a run out. The youth team will be playing at Kidlington almost simultaneously.