Brian Talbot has brought in another new player to fill one of the positions he has identified as needing strengthening. Lee Mansell, who played as a triallist for Oxford’s reserves against Millwall at the end of last season, has signed a one-year contract and will play as right back, to replace the probably departing Dave Mackay.

Mansell, who is 22, joins United on a Bosman, having previously played for Luton, where he made 50 appearances, and even weighed in with the occasional goal. He also had a trial at Bristol Rovers, as did fellow Hatters Ian Hillier and David Bayliss, both of whom also featured in the Millwall reserves match. Mansell joined Luton as a triallist five years ago, and two years back he had a brief spell on loan at Nuneaton Borough. His arrival makes Mackay’s departure all the more likely.

At the fans forum a couple of weeks ago, Talbot identified four positions that required strengthening. With Mansell’s arrival, two of those areas have now been filled, with Billy Turley providing cover for the goalkeeping position. That leaves central midfield and striker as the remaining slots, so we can expect at least two further signings before the start of the season, all things being equal.