It will come as no surprise to departing director Kelvin Thomas if manager Jim Smith does snap up an exciting new striker this summer.

"I know Jim has publicly said that he's happy with the strikers he's got, if he can get Chris Zebroski, but I know for a fact he's been making inquiries and working hard over bringing in someone up front," Thomas said.

"Jim's a very experienced and canny manager and at this time of year he doesn't want to show his hand. But I know that whatever he does, it will be in the best interests of Oxford United.

"I feel very confident of the management team at United, with Jim now ably supported by Darren Patterson and Mickey Lewis - two fantastic appointments."

And Thomas is not of the group that believes the U's have wasted their best chance of promotion by missing out last season.

He said: "I'm a firm believer that experience is very important, and the experience of last year will give us an extra advantage next time.

"Don't forget, Oxford United, its players, its staff, had no experience of the Conference and a lot has been learned.

"I don't necessarily believe it will be harder to go up next season. It's the same challenge and hopefully we're a little bit wiser to what is needed."