OXFORD United are on the brink of kicking off their new season - and fans are sticking with the team, despite last year's disappointment.

Despite narrowly missing out on a spot in the play-off final in May and facing another year of non-League football, ticket sales are showing no signs of waning.

Ticket sales remain as buoyant as this time last year with more than 2,900 season tickets sold and kit "flying out of the door" at the club shop.

The new season begins tomorrow when United take on Forest Green Rovers in the Blue Square Premier League, formerly the Nationwide Conference.

Club spokesman Chris Williams said: "Hopes are high. The team has been looking good in pre-season games so far. The fans are as keen and positive about the club as ever and we all want to see the team get it right this year."

There is no sign of any let-up in the club shop either, with sales far greater than expected.

Sales assistant Lucy Townsend: "We've been far busier than we expected. Things had slowed down earlier in the summer, but over the past few weeks it has really picked up again.

"We were not expecting it to be particularly busy this season, but the fans do seem to be particularly upbeat and positive about next season and getting promoted."

On Monday, the club signed a new sponsor, Jack FM, which has become the second largest supporter of the team after Buildbase. Its logo will appear on the back of every United shirt and it will be broadcasting live commentary on every United match.

Mr Williams said: "It is great to have Jack FM on board and have Oxfordshire's newest radio station getting right behind Oxford United."

The club also have a new online ticketing system which will make it easier for fans to buy tickets.

General manager Mick Brown said: "Tickets for Saturday's opening match have been on sale through the new system since last Friday.

"Tickets for the following two home matches against Stafford Rangers on Saturday, August 25, and Halifax Town on Saturday, September 1, went on sale from Tuesday."

He added: "It's a new season and we are setting our sights high."

Visit www.oufc.premiumtv.co.uk and follow the tickets link.