A MILITARY-style operation is under way at the Kassam Stadium with staff working around the clock ahead of Oxford United’s match against Newcastle United tomorrow.

On the field, U’s boss Michael Appleton is preparing his players for their biggest match of the year so far - and things are just as busy behind the scenes.

With United making sure everything is planned to perfection for tomorrow’s sell-out clash, phones have not stopped ringing, ticket printers are in full flow and hot air is being blown on the pitch to prevent it freezing.

But despite everyone the extra workloads, club staff are setting the stage to make history as the Toon Army come to town.

Managing Director Greig Box Turnbull said the build-up to the FA Cup fourth round tie had been ‘phenomenal’, with 6,000 tickets being sold before Appleton’s side even knew who they were playing.

Business Development Manager Peter Rhoades-Brown and colleague Adam Harris are among those making the club’s cogs turn into overdrive this week.

Former U’s winger Mr Rhoades-Brown said the club would host about 700 people in corporate hospitality for game which kicks off at 3pm.

He added: “It’s been a busy week. A similar week to Swansea and Blackburn in terms of build-up.

“For us financially it’s big and it’s something we deserve with the way we have been this year.

“I love it, it’s what we are here to do. We have a lot of people coming for Newcastle. Every is really buzzing for it.

“For me it’s a bigger game that the Swansea one just because of the atmosphere the Newcastle fans will bring.

“It’s going to be great.”

The big occasion has even attracted Geordie double act Ant and Dec to the Kassam Stadium, but the pair had to cancel their visit at the last minute due to Britain’s Got Talent commitments.

Meanwhile, Newcastle owner Mike Ashley and his family will be in attendance as well as a host of United’s sponsors.

Mr Rhoades-Brown, who will host the club’s visitors with colleagues on the day, said United had a ‘serious’ chance of getting a victory.

He added: “We did it against Swansea last year and we have a better team this year.

“I’m going for 2-1 Oxford, a Chris Maguire free kick to win it.”

And with a capacity crowd of just under 12,000 attending the game, ticket office supervisor Christine Greenough is making sure everyone gets the correct seat.

Mrs Greenough, who has worked at the club for 13 years, said this was one of the busiest fixtures she has ever had to deal with.

She added: “It’s been extremely busy. We have sat here from 9.30am to 5.30pm and not moved for two weeks.

“I do enjoy it. It’s like a military operation. There is two of us and we have handled about 11,500 tickets.”

The last-minute United tickets sold out last Friday, with Newcastle supporters snapping up their 1,800 allocation.

The club have even installed internal doors in the North Stand to house the Magpies’ fans safely.

There is also a 200-long waiting list for fans hoping to secure a seat if some supporters drop out.

Mrs Greenough along with colleague Sue Currill is now posting endless envelopes across the county to fans.

Tomorrow will be the third five-figure crowd of the season, following League One games with Swindon Town and Northampton Town.

With the extra supporters heading to Grenoble Road, the club’s shop has stocked new merchandise for fans to purchase.

Head of Retail Claire Theobald said the club shop would have new jumpers, hoodies and hats for the game.

She urged fans to buy legitimate merchandise rather than bootleggers operating outside the stadium.

All eyes will be on the game with a host of local and national media and newspapers expected to pack out the stadium’s press box.

For Chris Williams, the man charged with managing the media, his week has been filled with requests for interviews from national media for Appleton and the squad.

He said: “It’s not just the ground, the press box has also sold out with every seat gone. The players and Michael have been brilliant doing the interviews this week.”

Mr Box Turnbull added: “You can see the excitement and buzz it’s bringing to the county. The staff have done a fantastic job.”