In an excellent feature article in today's Oxford Mail, the Mail's football correspondent, Jon Murray, pays due tribute to the great work of Oxford United's new owner, Nick Merry, who took over exactly one year ago.

He has, of course, had the support of an equally committed manager, Jim Smith.

After a stunning start to the season United have slipped to second place in the table, but should easily do well enough to be in the play-off matches.

The most exciting football match I have ever seen was Charlton's play-off final match v. Sunderland at Wembley several years ago. It was 3-3 at full time, 4-4 after extra time, and Charlton won the penalty shoot-out by 7 goals to 6. Heart break for Sunderland, ecstasy for Charlton, who went up to the Premiership.

So, it can be much more exciting to win a play-off final than to achieve an automatic promotion by coming top of the table!!