Steve Basham has committed himself to Oxford United for a further two years, by signing a new contract yesterday. Whether this means that he should be committed is another question. Bash joined United at the start of the 2002/03 season, and has made 102 appearances (plus 17 as sub), scoring 34 goals. He was United’s top scorer in the 2003/04 season, and hit nine goals in the season just gone. Talks with his strike-partner Tommy Mooney are continuing, and all the out-of-contract players have to decide what they’re going to do by the end of this month.

Meanwhile there are rumours that talented french midfielder Thomas Pinault, who has not signed a new contract with Grimsby, could be on his way to Oxford. We know that Jean Marc Goiran had spoken to Pinault, and lined him up for a move should the previous management team have stayed at United, so this rumour might just be a hangover from those discussions. Goiran was also alleged to have spoken to high-scoring Rochdale striker Grant Holt, but whether or not new manager Brian Talbot continues with these lines of enquiry is presumably up to him.

Two other minor pieces of news. In addition to the Yeading friendly mentioned a few days ago, United have a home pre-season friendly against second division Brighton, scheduled for Wednesday July 27th. Meanwhile, those who are interested (and who are registered) can see a draft version of United’s new home kit over on the OUFC official web site. It looks quite smart is our early, unconsidered opinion.