Oxford United have been given a big boost on the financial front – but were denied a hat-trick of good news when it was revealed talks between the Football Conference and ESPN over a new television deal had broken down.

United announced a new partnership between the club and Witney-based Bridle Insurance, who will be supporting and investing in the U’s in a number of ways.

The Premier League then revealed that it would be splitting £1m between the 68 teams in the Football Conference as a goodwill gesture to help clubs in the lower leagues.

This will earn the U’s an unexpected £14,705.

But United’s great day was slightly tainted when it was announced no deal could be agreed with television company ESPN.

The Conference has been seeking another broadcaster after the demise of Irish company Setanta in June 2009 due to the recession.

"We are disappointed we haven't been able to conclude a deal, but we continue our search," said Conference general manager Dennis Strudwick.