Oxford United today made the announcement that many supporters had been waiting for, with the news that they have appointed a General Manager. The appointee who has the unenviable task of raising the club’s profile and trying to make the commercial side profitable, is none other than our old mucker from FOUL days, Steve Hanks.

Hanks in happier mood

Hanks, 103, starts his post on 01 August, and will initially be working three days a week. His responsibilities stretch to cover everything to do with the non-playing side of the club, including managing Club Secretary Mick Brown, and Communications Officer Chris Williams. Hanks will also be the main liaison person for the Supporters Trust, OxVox.

In other news, Brian Talbot has revealed that he hasn’t yet decided who the club captain is going to be next season, but it definitely won’t be last season’s incumbent, Lee Bradbury. This is because of Bradders’ insistence on being played as a striker, a role that Talbot doesn’t believe suits the captaincy. Meanwhile, triallist Stuart Beavon, who scored United’s third goal in their 3-0 win at swindon on Friday, has returned to work. However, he has been asked to take part in United’s friendly at Yeading on Saturday so that Talbot can have another opportunity to assess him in a match situation.