OXFORD United are hoping for divine inspiration after the appointment of a new club chaplain.

Canon Roger Humphreys, 61, is filling the void which has been left open since the death of Rev Michael Chantry three years ago.

Mr Chantry had been United's chaplain since 1966 and was the longest-serving chaplain at a Football League club.

Mr Humphreys, the rector of Woodstock and Bladon, is well known to United chairman Nick Merry and manager Jim Smith, who both live close by.

Although admitting to being more of a rugby man than a football fan, he is hoping to be converted, and says he is delighted to be joining the U's.

"Jim and Nick and some of the players live in Woodstock so I've got to know them quite well," he said.

"I was delighted to accept their offer to become involved with Oxford United."

He met United's players and coaching staff at their Milton Heights training ground last Thursday.

Predecessor Michael Chantry was very actively involved when United were at their former home, the Manor Ground, making teas for all the staff, offering advice to any player who wanted it and sometimes even acting as sponge man for the youth team.

"I don't know if I will be able to go that far, because I have a lot of commitments," he smiled.

"But I do want to be there, be involved, and give people support in all possible ways. I will be around, be a listening ear, a caring heart and be available for the players and staff if they need to talk.

"Sometimes Saturdays are my matchday as well because I do lots of weddings, but I will try and come to as many games as I can. It's a learning curve, but it's going to be fun and I'm really looking forward to it all."

United's chairman and manager are no strangers to his parish, he said.

"Both are in church far more than I thought they would be," he said.

"They both appeared on the Sunday after the first game of the season. They'd won the day before, and when they walked in the whole congregation turned round and clapped.

"I thought that was a pretty fair welcome!"

It could be argued that the U's hardly need any help from above as they are sitting pretty at the head of the Conference.

Mr Humphreys laughed: "People have said to me they're top of the table now so if they fall away from there, I'll be the one to blame!"