Tommy Mooney has rejected the contract offer made to him by Oxford United, and will therefore not be playing for the Us next season. Mooney had turned down United’s initial offer, but Firoz Kassam went back with an improved deal. This was still less than Mooney is currently being paid, and Oxford’s top scorer this season said ‘no’.

Mooney, who came to Oxford from non-league football last summer, scored 15 goals in a season that was disappointing for both him and the club. This was partly due to the poor service that the Oxford front men received from midfield, although some of the goals that he did score were memorable, such as the screamer against Yeovil, and the last minute header at Cheltenham. There was a feeling, however, that Mooney never quite lived up to his billing, and it is to be hoped that new manager Brian Talbot will be able to bring in a more than adequate replacement.

Meanwhile United have followed their announcement that season ticket prices have been frozen for next season with the news that on-the-day prices are being reduced by 50p. In itself this doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it will probably significantly eat into United’s matchday revenue. With under-7s being allowed in for free, Oxford are starting to show some appreciation of the expense involved in watching football. Next step is to bring tickets for students and claimants into line with other concessionary prices.