The fixtures for the 2005/06 season were released today, with Oxford facing a trip to Grimsby on the opening day, August 6th, as if we needed a reminder as to which division we are in. Other significant dates to note are the first home game, against relegated Torquay on Wednesday 10 August, followed three days later by the visit of Wycombe, Tommy Mooney et al. The first round of the League Cup will be played on or around 24 August, the draw taking place on Tuesday 28 June (at 7.00am!).

August Bank Holiday sees United visit Bristol Rovers, while Oxford’s first ever league visit to Barnet (possibly at Underhill, possibly not), will be on Saturday 01 October. The FA Cup first round is on 05 November, while Notts County are the Boxing Day visitors. United end the season with a visit from Leyton Orient, in what will doubtless be a battle to determine mid-table mediocrity.

One player who won’t be taking part in any of these fixtures is goalkeeper Simon Cox. The Ireland under-19 international has left the club “by mutual consent”, which probably means United paid him a premium to remove him from the wages bill. Cox doesn’t have another club lined up just yet, and is apparently considering his options. Former United players on the move include Matt Murphy, who has joined Banbury United, and John Robertson, who has signed for Hamilton Academicals.