Cov off

United have cancelled the proposed pre-season friendly against Coventry City at the Kassam Stadium. The reason given is that Coventry have sacked their management duo of Jim Smith and Roland Nilsson, thereby making it uncertain whether City would be able to honour their commitment. We prefer to think of it as a gesture of solidarity with Jim Smith.

Meanwhile Oxford have lined up two even more prestigious friendlies, against Leicester City and Southampton, the latter of whom will still be in the Premier League next season. The dates for these two games have yet to be announced but we're looking forward to the possible return of Matty Elliott to his spiritual home.

Frozen wasteland

Season ticket prices have been frozen for next season, apart from the Maurice Evans and Manor Lounges, it has been announced today. There are also a number of new schemes including, at last, student discounts for individual matches. Other innovations include “buy one, get one half price” for North Stand season tickets, an area for which one couldn't previously buy a season ticket.

It has also been announced that the South Stand Family Area is to be extended, and elsewhere ticket prices for juniors and seniors has been reduced by one pound to £7. Season tickets probably won't be on sale until mid-May, by which time supporters might have had a chance to witness some creative new signings. Or perhaps not.