Green day
On 1 June Oxford finally signed Matt Green on a permanent contract. Well, it was actually a two-year contract, but in this age of short attention spans, easily disposable commodities and throw-away remarks, two years is probably as permanent as it gets. Green was, of course, due to sign for Oxford at the start of the 2008-09 season, following two successful loan spells, but at the last minute (almost literally) he changed his mind and signed for Torquay United instead. Green spent an unhappy year at Plainmoor during the Gulls' promotion season before rejoining Oxford on a season-long loan at the start of this season. It didn't take long for most Oxford supporters to forgive Green his earlier misdemeanour as he scored in the first game of the season against York City. He also famously scored in the last game of the season against York City too, at Wembley in the play-off final having previously scored in the play-off semi-final against Rushden & Diamonds to earn the trip to Wembley.

Oxford clinch Eastwood
On Friday 4 June Oxford signed Billy Turley's replacement, as they brought in Huddersfield Town's reserve 'keeper Simon Eastwood. Eastwood had previously played on loan for Woking and Bradford City and had been capped by England at under-18 and under-19 levels. Although Eastwood was under contract at Huddersfield, he was given a free transfer.

Chapman sent down
Also on Friday, Adam Chapman was sentenced to 30 months inside a young offenders institution having pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. Chapman, Man of the Match at Wembley, was apparently texting on his Blackberry when he lost control of his car and smashed head-on into another car, causing 77-year-old Tom Bryan to die from internal injuries. In addition to his custodial sentence, of which he will serve 15 months, Chapman was also banned from driving for five years. Oxford United pledged to support Chapman during his incarceration, and it seems likely that once his sentence is over he will return to play for the Us. Rage Online would like to express our sincerest sympathy to Mr Bryan's family and friends, and would like to take this opportunity to remind our readers that using mobile phones while driving is dangerous and potentially deadly, as well as illegal.

Bridle way
Oxford United today announced that next season's shirt sponsor will be Bridle Insurance. The Witney-based insurance company replaces long-term sponsors Buildbase, who began sponsoring the club in 2001, the first season at the Kassam Stadium. The deal also means that for the third season running Oxford will have new home shirts for the forthcoming Football League season.