Mystery surrounds the unveiling of a statue at the home of Oxford United tomorrow as rumours circulate about its design.

The much-delayed piece of art, which was a condition of planning permission for the Kassam Stadium, will sit on a plinth outside the ground.

The project has been funded by Buildbase, Ridge & Partners, Oxford Stone & Marble and STL Communications, and has not diverted funds away from the football club.

It had been thought the statue would depict a bronze ox, but rumours suggest the subject could be quite different.

On the Oxford Mail's This Is United fans' forum, supporter 'Londonroader' said he grabbed a quick view of the base of the design earlier this week.

He claimed: "On my way past the stadium today I saw the plinth on the statue had been changed, so I had a peek at the wording. The statue going up is none other than JS Jim Smith himself."

Many other forum members have debated the merits of various statues - but an ox still looks to be the favourite.

Lifelong fan Damon Farrant, 22, from Headington, said: "I'm pretty sure it is going to be an ox. I think it is a good thing as it will highlight the club and it is more appropriate than a statue of a famous player or manager."

Brendon Cross, who has co-ordinated the project, said intrigue surrounding the statue would just have to continue until tomorrow afternoon's 2pm unveiling.