Players come, players don't come

United have signed former triallist goalkeeper Ian McCaldon on a one month contract and the big Scottish Scouser will go straight into the squad for the match at Swansea tomorrow. McCaldon was on trial with Wolves last week and also spoke with Hearts, but came to United praising the ambition of the club. Does he know something we don't, or is he getting desperate for a contract? This means that United now have four 'keepers in the squad, two of them (Tony Malessa being the other) on one month contracts.

Meanwhile Scarborough defender Paul Ellender has decided to sign for Boston, who have paid 'Borough between £75,000 and £100,000. Ellender has been described as the best defender in the Conference and was allegedly the subject of a joint bid, with forward Steve Brodie, by United. Ellender's decision not to come to Oxford leaves the Brodie part of the bid in doubt.

United's former midfielder Peter Fear, who has been on trial at Stevenage Borough during the pre-season, has instead signed for Kettering Town, who were relegated from the Conference last season and who now play in the Doctor Marten's Premier League. Apparently Fear has accepted an insurance payout that means he is no longer eligible to play professional football.

Swansea premonition

United visit the Vetch tomorrow to play one of the few teams who made them look less bad last season. New 'keeper Ian McCaldon goes straight into the squad but Richard Knight is likely to retain his place between the sticks. Paul Powell is unfit and it is possible that one of Joey Beauchamp, Sam Ricketts or Simon King will replace him. Alternatively Manny Omoyinmi might start if Mark Wright decides to go for a more attacking line-up.

Rage Online, being optimistic souls at heart, predict a 1-1 scoreline. It would be nice if former Swan Martin Thomas scored the United goal, but we're not really that fussy. The other lot will probably include former United non-favourite Nick Cusack in their defence.

Kitted out

The new kit has at last arrived in the club shop, but only in certain sizes and only for those 500 or so who have pre-ordered their shirts. The shop anticipates having kit for general sale once they move into their portakabin at Minchery Farm, at the end of next week.