THE threat of an Oxford United players' strike looks to have been averted after assurances that they will be paid by the end of the week.

Hopes that the debt-ridden Division 1 club may be saved from going into adminstration tomorrow have also been lifted following a meeting yesterday between managing director Keith Cox and Lloyds Bank.

A club statement said: "Keith Cox met the bank today to review the club's financial situation.

"Following much speculation in the press, it has been announced the players will be paid by the end of this week.

"While the club is still on the critical list, it appears that the immediate threat of going into adminstration may have passed for the time being."

Meanwhile, United's office staff have given their full backing to the club - despite not being paid.

A statement signed by 13 members of the office staff said: "Despite not being paid last Friday, and not knowing if, or when, we will be paid, we are still working our normal hours.

"We will continue to do so while finances allow.

"Unlike some, we do not wish to see the club in administration, with the possibility of our colleagues or ourselves out of the jobs we love.

"We would like to thank the numerous supporters who have phoned and called in person with messages of support.

"We are, as always, 100 per cent behind the club, and are sure that we willl come out of this situation stronger collectively and individually."

Secretary Mick Brown said: "Despite all the doom and gloom, the staff are fully behind the club and want to see it survive and prosper. There is no point crying about it.

"Despite talk of players being paid, there has been no such talk of staff being paid. They are just getting on with their jobs, and I think that shows great credit."

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