Firoz soothes Savage's breast

Firoz Kassam today denied reports that Dave Savage, supporters' Player of the Season, has not been offered a new contract after speaking to the Oxford Mail about his situation last month. Savage told the newspaper that he was disappointed that he hadn't been offered a new contract, despite being promised that something would be sorted out by the end of March. He then said that the uncertainty was affecting his, and others', performances. Today's paper then claimed that Kassam was not offering Savage a new contract because of this outburst and that the United chairman blamed the midfielder for Oxford's failure to make the play-offs.

This evening Kassam rubbished these reports, saying that he had sat down with Savage and offered him new terms. He also said that it was his intention to keep together as many of last season's squad as possible (obviously minus Paul Powell and Ian McCaldon) and he would see what new players to sign once he knew which of the current out-of-contract players were rejoining the club.

The liberation of God

Phil Whitehead, possibly United's best ever goalkeeper, has been released by Reading, who obviously feel that their failure to reach the Premiership means that they are unworthy of holding onto such a prestigious player. The Biscuitmen have compounded their error by offering Adi Viveash a new deal as player-coach, but who are we to scorn?

Two former Oxford men find themselves in the England squad. Not to face South Africa, but for the semi-professional Four Nations Tournament in Wales later this month. Scott Guyett and Wayne Hatswell, both currently with Mark Wright's Chester, have been named by manager Paul Fairclough. England must be fairly confident that they will at least beat Wales, who have had to stoop to naming Lee Jarman amongst their defenders.