Gissa Malessa

'Keeper signs

Oxford United this morning signed former Bristol City goalkeeper Tony Malessa. With youth team goalie Phil Wilson injured United had no cover for Richard Knight and so Mark Wright acted quickly to bring in Malessa, who impressed Wright when playing for Woking against the U's. Malessa also played the full game for United at Farnborough and, despite conceding two goals neither of which he was at fault for, he again impressed. Rage Online is not certain what the length or terms of Malessa's contract are.

Meanwhile Rage Online can reveal that the Moody rumour was started by the player's agent in an attempt to generate interest in the former United striker, who is keen to leave Millwall now that the Lions have signed Steve Claridge. The story prompted Mark Wright to get in touch with the player, but nothing is likely to happen before next week, if ever.

The club shop, still located in Headington, has closed for the day after they were badly let down by the suppliers of the new kit, due for release today. The new date for release is the middle of next week, but we're not holding our breath…

Day away

24 hours until the new season starts

United start in the basement division for the first time since 1965 when Rochdale visits Minchery Farm tomorrow. United have no real fitness worries over any of their squad, although Chris Hackett, Darren Patterson and Jon Shepheard, who has just had an operation, won't figure.

Mark Wright stated this morning that there will be no new players brought in until next week at the earliest, and not until some existing players have been “shipped out”, so it is just a question of selecting a team from the players we have already seen. Wright has already stated his preference for a 3-4-3 formation for home games and so the defence is likely to be the same as against Crystal Palace last weekend. In midfield it remains to be seen whether new signing Dave Savage will feature as he looked a bit lacking in match fitness, and also whether Joey Beauchamp will start for Paul Powell, who also looked unfit. Up front both Manny Omoyinmi and Phil Gray will be vying to partner Andy Scott and with Jamie Brookes also in the frame there's a healthy competition for places for the first time in ages.

Rochdale will be without new signing from Macclesfield, midfielder Kieron Durkan, who had hot tea spilt over his knackers in a dressing room accident (allegedly) last week. Dale just missed out on promotion last season and had one of the best away records in the league and so any United supporters expecting an easy ride tomorrow should disabuse themselves of that notion immediately. In the six previous meetings between the clubs there have been five draws and one Rochdale victory.

Those of you worried about your car being hit by a stray ball over the fence into the West Stand car park can rest easy, as Mick Brown has confirmed that the club will be installing some netting behind that goal, although that is unlikely to be in place in time for tomorrow's match. In the meantime the club has negotiated with Unipart and BMW to use their car parks for overspill parking, only problem being a two mile walk to the ground. Brown has also confirmed that there will be signage erected around the ground to ensure that it is identified as Oxford United's stadium. The frames for the signs are on order and they should be up within a few weeks.