Oxford have apparently informed five of the triallists who have been at the club in the pre-season that they will not be offered contracts. The five are Gerrard McCargo, Scott Marshall, Izzy Iriekpen, Adam Van Dommele and Martin Lomax.

This means that Tommy Widdrington remains the only triallist still at the club, and it is likely that, Firoz Kassam permitting, he will be signed on permanently (well, for a year anyway) this week. However, the release of both Marshall and Iriekpen means that United have no experienced cover at centre-back for the trip to Lincoln on Saturday, as both Dave Waterman and Paul McCarthy are both still injured.

Amongst the options that are available for Ian Atkins are to start with a flat back four; he will play Scott McNiven inside and use Chris Hackett or Dean Whitehead as right wingback, or he will try and bring in someone else on loan. Alternatively the rumours about Paul Wanless signing may be true, and Wanless can play in that position.