It was the day when Oxford proved it was still United behind its football team. They may have been relegated, but hundreds of fans, young and old, showed their support for the relegated side at a fun day in the Kassam Stadium on Saturday.

Loud applause greeted the arrival of manager Jim Smith and chairman Nick Merry, while crowds clamoured to shake hands with players as they came through the tunnel.

Little seven-year-old Sam Williams, from Didcot, showed how the fans are rallying behind the new regime and still believe, despite last May's crushing heartache.

Sam, who had been brought along by his father, went up to Smith and said: "Jim, you're a legend."

Sam, who was thrilled to get Smith's autograph, said: "It was really exciting."

The team showed they were heading towards being fighting fit with a training session, before the gates were opened for the crowds to flock on to the pitch from the stands.

Pensioners, families and teenagers queued to get autographs from their heroes, pick up training tips, admire the new team strip - which was launched with the help of Miss Oxford, Eleanor Glynn - and get a glimpse behind the scenes at the club.

And then the youngsters could live out some of their dreams, showing their own skills with practice matches on the Kassam pitch.

Season tickets were snapped up on the last day when discounted prices were available and 'Oxford Loyal' yellow wristbands - produced by the Oxford Mail to support the club and the city's Children's Hospital project - had sold out within the first hour.

Children's TV presenter and long-time Oxford United fan Timmy Mallett said it was all a sign of a club ready to bounce back.

He said: "In May, it was so tense here I could barely breathe, but coming here today, there's just lots of happy, smiley faces. It's really lovely to see.

"The transformation of the last few months has been absolutely wonderful.

"It's been planned and thought about and we're definitely going up."

Trevor Lambert, chairman of supporters' club OxVox said: "This is a fantastic turnout.

"It's incredible for what you'd expect for a club that's just been relegated.

"I think everybody is getting behind Nick Merry and Jim Smith and they have an enormous amount of goodwill. I think all the elements are coming together for a good season."

Ian Malin, 45, had travelled from his home in Tiddington, near Thame.

An Oxford United supporter for more than 20 years, he said: "I think this is excellent. It's a new beginning for the club. They are getting everyone involved from children to older people and the club will go from strength to strength. It's all very, very positive."

Nick Merry said he was delighted by the day. He added: "It's been a fantastic turnout. The fans have really rallied around. The sun is shining and there are lots of smiling faces."