8:00am Thursday 9th July 2009
By Nick Farrant
Oxford United’s pre-season will have a different feel both for players and fans when the U’s kick-off their programme of friendlies against Oxford City on Tuesday.
Last season, under then boss Darren Patterson, United paraded no fewer than seven triallists in the traditional curtain-raiser to the season.
But this time they could field as few as one, in the shape of ex-Tranmere centre back Luke Waterfall.
Manager Chris Wilder said he found it more disruptive to include players that may or may not be at the club by the time the Blue Square Premier season starts on August 8 at home to York City.
“I’m happy with how things are ahead of our first match,” said Wilder, who now has a squad of 22, including eight new faces, at his disposal.
“I may have a look at one or two (triallists), but I think its pointless getting a lot of them in – it just disrupts the team plans.
“I think that’s just about it for signings, though I may be bringing in another centre half.
“We are playing a certain amount of friendlies with a purpose of getting something out of each game.”
United have announced prices for their three home pre-season matches, the first of which is on Friday, July 24, with the visit of QPR.
Tickets for the QPR and the Peterborough game, on Saturday, August 1, will be £10 adults and £5 for over 65s.
Both games will include the ‘bring a kid for a quid’ scheme, where all under 16s accompanied by an adult can do so for just £1, up to a maximum of two per adult.
Unaccompanied under 16s can attend for £5.
Normal matchday prices apply for the Villa game, while season-ticket holders get a £2 reduction off prices, provided they buy before 2pm on the day of the match.
Their seats are reserved until 5.30pm on Tuesday, July 28.
The North Stand will be closed to home supporters for all three games.
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