OXFORD United want to make nine new signings as they look to rebuild the side this summer, with manager Chris Wilder demanding total commitment from anyone who joins.

The club released 12 first-team players last week, including Michael Duberry and Peter Leven, after a second successive ninth-place finish in League Two.

Work to improve the squad into one which can make a sustained promotion challenge is under way, with several targets shown around the U’s facilities already.

Providing Deane Smalley and Scott Davies, who were offered new contracts last week and are expected to make decisions imminently, agree to stay, Wilder is clear on the positions which need bolstering.

The U’s are hunting for two forwards – a target man and a poacher – plus three central midfielders, of which ideally two would be left-footed.

Defensively, they want a centre back, a right back and two left backs, although one of those could be Luke O’Brien, who remains in contact with the club.

United’s playing budget is described as competitive, but several of their rivals in League Two next season are expected to spend more.

Wilder knows that means the gap has to be bridged by forming a strong team ethic.

“I’ve got to bring in players that are 100 per cent team players, because that’s the only way we get out of this league – sprinkled with a bit of individual gold dust that can hopefully change games,” he said.

“I’ve got to have players that are 100 per cent committed to everything we do – from the sports science to the medical side.”

A good fitness record will be top of the wish-list for targets, following two seasons disrupted by injuries, but Wilder has not ruled out bringing in players over 30.

He said: “It won’t be all 24-year-olds, because we have to get the balance right. There might be a touch of experience in there as well.

“Don’t be surprised if we sign a 31 or 32-year-old because he might have played 400 or 500 league games, as long as over the past two or three years they have been fit, injury-free and they come with the right qualities.

“We will be looking for the right attitude, a desire to come for the right reasons, a good injury record and the ability to pass a severe and stern medical.”

* Goalkeeper Luke McCormick became the first of the 12 players released to find a new club when he signed for his former club Plymouth. * FOR the third year running, Oxford United have been given the Football League Family Excellence Award.

They were among 47 clubs to be recognised for efforts taken to attract families to games.