Another day, another signing. This time it’s Tommy Mooney, formerly from Swindon (although we can find it in our hearts to forgive him for that, unless he turns out to be crap). Mooney scored 19 goals last season, before Swindon wilted in the play-offs, to much hilarity. More importantly, he also scored huge amounts of goals at Scarborough, Watford and Birmingham. Despite being almost 33 years old he could be a huge signing for United, and it certainly sends out a signal of intent to the rest of the division. One just wonders whether this means that Graham Rix is intending to play three up front, with Lee Bradbury signed recently and Steve Basham having his contract extended. It also casts some doubt on Julian Alsop holding down a regular place.

In the draw for the first round of the Carling Cup (better known as the Milk Cup, of course) Oxford have been handed a home tie against Reading, who we faced in the second round last season, going down 3-1 with Jefferson Louis scoring for United. This season Reading’s squad is probably weaker than last year, while Oxford’s looks to be stronger, so, in those immortal words: bring it on! The game will probably take place on Wednesday 25 August.

The signings of Bradbury, Roget, and now Mooney, means that, until August 7th at least, Rage Online is going to permit ourselves to display a wee smidgeon of optimism. This goes against all tradition and, to be honest, makes us feel slightly uncomfortable. Gosh, maybe we might even possibly consider promotion a possibility, perhaps?