The reality of Oxford United's relegation to Division 3 was brought home to many supporters today when next season's Nationwide League fixtures were released.

United kick off their first season in the League's bottom division since 1965 with a home game at their new Kassam Stadium against Rochdale on Saturday, August 11.

Their first away game is the following Saturday, August 18 against Swansea, who were relegated with them.

Mark Wright's team face Conference champions Rushden & Diamonds in an early home game, on September 1, and the following Saturday they travel to Luton Town, managed by Joe Kinnear, who have been installed as bookies' favourites for the title.

Luton are the U's opponents at The Kassam Stadium on Boxing Day while the Easter fixtures are a home clash with Hartlepool and a trip to York on Easter Monday.

But generally, the Football League's fixture computer has been kind on Oxford with no really long midweek trips. The furthest Tuesday night journey is to Macclesfield, where United were victorious in the FA Cup last season, on February 26.

Oxford do meet Carlisle on a Tuesday night - but fortunately for them, it's at home.

"I think I'd be a bit unhappy if I was a Carlisle supporter," said United secretary Mick Brown, "but then, geographically, they are disadvantaged anyway and have much more travelling to do.

"Our away matches are not too bad. Macclesfield seems the longest midweek journey, although trying to get through London to Leyton Orient on a Tuesday night isn't that easy.

"As we expected, we have been given a fairly low-key opening game at home, at least with Rochdale it will be low-key in terms of away support. Had it been Rushden that would have tested us much more. When Rushden come to us on September 1, they'll still be fired up and will bring quite a few fans.

"It's unusual to have a home match to start, and a home match to finish. There can't be many occasions when that's happened."

Brown warns fans who are planning their winter weekends that kick-off time for the home game with Plymouth on Saturday October 6 is likely to change from 3pm to avoid clashing with the England v Greece World Cup qualifier at Old Trafford, which is being shown live on TV.

However, because the Germany v England World Cup qualifier in Munich on Saturday September 1 kicks off at 6.30pm BST, there will be no alteration to that afternoon's home match against Rushden.

LDV Vans Trophy dates - round 1 Oct 17, round 2 Oct 31, round 3 Dec 5, round 4 Jan 9, area final 1st leg Jan 30, area final 2nd leg Feb 20, final Mar 24.

Read United's fixture list on This is United