We're back!

Apologies for the long delay since the last update – the Rage Online computer decided to have a slight crash, but now it's all been fixed and to make up for the delay we've given you a new poll – the Oxford United Goal of the Season – check out the Voting Booth.

So what have we missed in the meantime? Firstly there was the news that all remaining eight out-of-contract players who hadn't been released have been offered new contracts. Yes, including Les Robinson, Steve Davis and Phil Whelan! The only slight crumb of comfort for United fans is that some of the players have been offered worse terms than they were on previously due to being in a lower division than when they received their last contracts. This might be enough to make them look elsewhere in the hope of a better deal, as they have until June 30th to make up their minds.

Unfortunately, some of those we might prefer to stay are mulling over other offers. Jamie Cook has apparently been approached by a couple of other clubs and Joey Beauchamp has, according to his agent, had an offer on the table from Reading for some time and is also in talks with Portsmouth.

Denis Smith has also offered Richard Knight, released by Derby, a contract. Unfortunately his fine displays by United have alerted other clubs to his talent and according to the Derby local press Knight is also being sought by Colin Todd's swindon, who have released Frank Talia. Smith has also identified a striker to whom he has made an offer, but he doesn't expect to hear if he has been successful for some time. Meanwhile there are rumours linking Adrian Viveash, out-of-contract at Walsall, with United, as first mooted here on Rage Online on 9th May.

Of the players who have been released it appears that Carlisle are interested in talking to Nigel Jemson. They have released former United striker John Durnin, who was seen drinking in a local night club just hours before Carlisle's vital last game of the season, which they lost.

One player who is not out-of-contract yet, but who is unlikely to be a United player next season, is Paul Powell. Powell has been linked with Newcastle and also, more recently, with Premiership survivors Bradford City, although Denis Smith has denied that the Bantams, or anyone else, has made an approach.

One more who has formerly plied his trade at United who has been released by his club is goalkeeper Tony Parks, whose services are no longer required by Halifax. Dave Fogg appears to be in trouble at Shrewsbury, who Chester are claiming illegally appointed him as their coach. Chester now want points deducted from the Shrews which will, surprise, surprise, mean that Shrewsbury will be relegated to the Conference in Chester's stead.

Internationals on duty

Rob Folland has been called up for Wales' Under-21 squad for a tournament in Ireland from May 31st to June 2nd. Wales will have games against Scotland and Northern Ireland. Andre Arendse has also received the call-up for South Africa for a four-match tour of Europe and the U.S. starting later this month. South Africa will have games against for games against Malta, the United States, Mexico and Ireland. Malcolm Crosby has had the nod to appear for England, albeit in a strictly off-field capacity. Crozzer has been selected by Kevin Keegan to spy on England's opponents at Euro 2000.

He's still magic

Former United midfield playmaker Jim Magilton was Ipswich's hero last night as he hit a hat-trick in the play-off semi-final second leg against Bolton. Ipswich won the tie 5-3 after extra time to set up a final against Barnsley. In the Second Division Gillingham will play Wigan in the play-off final and in the third a goal from Marco Gabbiadini ensured that Darlington beat Hartlepool and will play Peterborough at Wembley.