The saddest sight at Oxford United's final league game at the Manor Ground in seven days' time will be empty spaces.

For it looks as though the May 1 match against Port Vale will not be a sell-out, even in all the home sections.

United's ticket office supervisor Dawn Wyllie admitted last night: "At this moment, it's not looking like we're going to sell out.

"The London Road might do, but I don't think all the home areas will."

United went through the laborious process of issuing vouchers at two different Division 2 games, and asking fans wanting to buy a Port Vale ticket to bring their two vouchers, then reducing that to just one.

But from yesterday morning, tickets went on open sale, and there are still plenty left.

"You never know, we might get a late rush. People often do leave these things to the last minute," Wyllie said.

Oxford United have explained the reasons for changing the kit next season - to fend off criticism that it's only a money-making exercise.

The club have already given fans a sneak preview of what the strip might look like, and given them the option of choosing either navy blue or royal blue, shorts to go with the yellow shirts.

United commercial manager Gary Hooper said: "It's not because we want to - we're having to change.

"The main reason is the fact that New Balance, with whom we struck a contract at the start of last year, have decided to pull out of manufacturing this type of clothing. So we're left with shirts that we can't continue with.

"I don't think the story has ever come out explaining the reasons for us changing. But we're not doing it just on the basis of changing it for change's sake."

Under the terms of the Football Task Force, set up by David Mellor, clubs must keep the kit they wear at home for a minimum period of two years.

So, technically, United are breaking this Task Force recommendation. But Hooper says: "There's nothing we can do. We can't get the same kit."

United are in the final stages of negotiations with manufacturers TFG and are hoping to make any new contract more binding in the long-term than the last one.

"We're determined to ensure it's with a company that won't go bust," Hooper said.

United are also looking at ways of lessening the financial burden on those who bought one kit for this season and will want to buy the new one for next season.

Fans can vote on which strip they prefer on United's website.

"We just want to show that the club do care about what people say and although we will make the final decision on the kit, this is to try to give everyone the opportunity to voice their preference."

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