THOUSANDS of Oxford United fans of all ages are set to descend on the Kassam Stadium for the club’s biggest-ever open day on Saturday.

Up to 5,000 supporters are expected to flock to the ground for a chance to meet the team’s new signings and take part in a range of activities.

From 10am, fans can enter the stadium for free, buy the new Nike home kit for the first time and grab a place in a huge team photo in the North Stand.

David Jackson, the club’s commercial manager, said: “It’s the opportunity to come to a completely open day.

“It’s a family-oriented day where all the fans can watch the players train and then meet them, have a behind-the-scenes stadium tour and generally enjoy the atmosphere.

“It will also be the first day fans can buy the new kit.

“Having the association with Nike means it is the biggest shirt maker that we’ve had at the football club for certainly the last few years and that’s created a great build-up to the launch.

“The anticipation is it’s going to be the biggest kit launch we’ve ever had. Nike have all the stock available and are getting it here on a daily basis.”

Eight new faces have joined Chris Wilder’s squad since the end of last season and players, including top scorer James Constable and midfielder Adam Chapman, have been tied down to permanent deals.

Mr Jackson said: “We’ll have all the new signings at the open day, whereas in previous seasons it’s maybe been one or two, or maybe none at this stage.

“Last year we had 3,000 people through the gates on the day, and on Saturday that’s expected to be the absolute minimum.

“We are ready for 4,000 or maybe 5,000 — it’s set to be our biggest yet.”

One of the most eagerly-anticipated aspects of the open day will be news of the resurrection of the club’s membership scheme.

Mr Jackson said: “There’s going to be information on the official Oxford United FC Membership Scheme, which will include a host of brand new benefits, including priority ticket access, members-only events, exclusive merchandise and offers and discounts from local and national businesses.”

Also on offer will be a barbecue, the Oxford Mail bouncy castle and various stalls and entertainment.

Meanwhile, this season has seen the No. 12 shirt officially retired from the first-team squad and given over to the fans.

The gesture is part of a collaboration between the club and supporters’ groups OxVox, Rage Online, Ultimate Yellows, Giallo Esercito and Ox Kits, aimed at building a fund to use in the January transfer window to buy a new player or help with a loan player’s wages.

Simon Bradbury, from OxVox, said: “It’s all the supporters’ groups coming together to raise funds to help the manager during a crucial point in the season when a new player can really make a difference.

“The fund isn’t to be used to supplement the current budget, it’s to be used in addition to it. It will be administered by two fans’ representatives and Kelvin Thomas and Chris Wilder from the club.”

Mr Bradbury said a number of fundraising events are planned for the near future, including a fans’ five-a-side competition, a sponsored walk and the sale of 12th Man pin badges.

The first 12th Man initiative is a raffle to win a seat alongside the players in the official first-team photo for the coming season.

Tickets, costing £5, will be available at the open day, with the draw taking place on the day.

It is hoped the fund could raise up to £15,000 by January.

Meanwhile, do you being involved in a penalty shoot-out against Oxford United?

Once again the Oxford Mail is organising a fans v players spot-kick competition at Saturday’s Open Day.

Twelve months ago, United lifted the cup, inset right, after holding their nerve to win 3-2.

For your chance to be part of the five-strong team, answer the following question: Q: Name either of the Oxford United players pictured lifting the trophy after winning last year’s penalty shoot-out.

Email your answer to sportsdesk@oxfordmail.co.uk, putting ‘Shoot-out competition’ as the subject header.

Please only enter if you can attend the open day, and all entrants must be over 16. The deadline for entries is 5.30pm tomorrow. Usual competition rules apply and the editor’s decision is final. Remember to include your name and a daytime contact number.