OXFORD United have committed to increase the playing budget ahead of the upcoming Women’s Super League season.

The WSL has reverted to a winter campaign from 2017/18 and after assessing the squad during a winless Spring Series, boss Andy Cook has been given a boost in his attempts to strengthen the squad.

He said: “Since day one I have had a list of players we are tracking as a club and we are now looking to bring these players in.

“The board has approved the investment to bring in the quality we would like – the current players know this and are excited to be challenged on the training ground next season.

“We are looking to increase our contact and training time to make sure each player will be making the most of dual careers through either working or education and training.

“Our aim is to finish in the top-six, no one will give us a chance but I like that!

“Since I have come in, we have begun to change the culture and understanding of what is required and what it means to be a player for Oxford United Women.

“If we can get this right from the top, which I believe we now have the resources to do, this will start to filter down and over time help the talent pathway in Oxford to provide us with the very best players and people for the first team.

“The people, staff and players here at Oxford have been fantastic to work with and they already can’t wait to get started for next season.”

Ruth Senior, general manager of the U’s women, said: “We put a proposal to the board for a top-six finish and they were in full support of the investment.

“It’s a really exciting time for Oxford United Women.”