You can do it, United that's the message from people across the city today ahead of tomorrow's must-win match at the Kassam Stadium.

Oxford United have to win against East London side Leyton Orient if they are to keep their place in the Football League.

But even before a ball is kicked, one thing is for sure the team have thousands of people backing them and willing them on to secure that vital win, from former chairmen to ordinary fans in the street.

Firoz Kassam, the former United chairman who some fans blame for the team's demise to the bottom of the Football League, said he would not be at the match, but would be following it "very closely".

He sold the club to Nick Merry six weeks ago. He said: "Obviously I wish the team good luck and I hope they win and stay up."

Desmond Morris, the author and zoologist who is also a former Oxford United director, has advised the team to focus on their own game.

Dr Morris, who lives in North Oxford, said: "The main secret for the players is to build up their self-confidence and not think about anything else at all except their own confidence in their skill.

"When the players get on the pitch, they should focus totally. I have seen the team play some very good football this season and we can only hope that Jim Smith, for whom I have enormous respect, can put some confidence into the team."

Brendon Cross, a former director of the club, said: "This will arguably be the most important game in the club's history and everyone will be behind the team so let's hope they get the result we all want. There's a lot to play for. I'm absolutely sure we can do it.

"There will be a full house and so much support there there's going to be a hell of an atmosphere."

The Lord Mayor of Oxford, Bob Price, said: "I'm optimistic United will get the result they need. I think they can do it.

"I've seen them play on a few occasions this season and they've always looked strong, so I'm quite surprised they are in the position they are.

"Oxford United are an integral part of the life of the city and it would be sad if they were no longer part of the Football League, especially given the amount of support they have."

Trevor Lambert, chairman of supporters' trust OxVox, said many fans had been suffering sleepless nights in the run-up to the game, but were maintaining a sense of hope.

He said: "We are playing a beatable team. We've beaten them before and we can do it again. I don't see why we can't win let's stay upbeat and let's go for it.

"It's a one-off match in which we've got to forget the form book, forget the league table, and just regard it as a final.

"We do not want anyone coming off the pitch saying they could have done better we want everyone to give 100 per cent."