According to the official Brentford web site Leon Constantine is not the only ex-Bee to be training with Oxford at present. Jamie Fullarton is also training with United, having a new contract offer withdrawn. It is unclear whether he is doing anything other than trying to stay fit, or if there is any likelihood of him signing for Oxford.

Chester boss Mark Wright has confirmed that he is keen to sign former United goalkeeper Ian McCaldon, whom Wright brought to the KasStad when he was Oxford manager. If he signs for Chester he will join his former defensive teammates Phil Bolland, Scott Guyett and Wayne Hatswell, although Eagle has also attracted interest from his former club, Livingston, who are in the SPL.

United’s pitch will be three metres narrower this season than it was last year. Ostensibly the reason is to reduce the likelihood of players injuring themselves on the tarmac pitch surround, but one wonders whether there is also a tactical element involved. Ian Atkins has shown his disdain for wingers, even playing four central midfielders when opting to play 4-4-2, and narrowing the pitch would give Oxford an advantage when playing clubs that favour wide players.