OXFORD United will do everything they can to get as many fans as possible inside the Kassam Stadium from the start of next season.

That is the promise of managing director Niall McWilliams after the U’s found out their fixtures for the 2021/22 campaign.

Away trips to Cambridge United and Burton Albion in Sky Bet League One and the Carabao Cup respectively mean United’s first home game will be against Charlton Athletic on Saturday, August 14.

Read also: Oxford United's League One fixtures next season

It falls almost four weeks after the final easing of lockdown restrictions in England, scheduled for July 19, but uncertainty remains over exactly how many supporters will be allowed inside sporting venues.

The U’s played just four matches in front of fans last season, including last month’s League One play-off semi-final first leg against Blackpool, but McWilliams insists the club are prepared for every eventuality.

He said: “We’re ready to do absolutely anything.

“The reports that we’ve had for all the games we had partial crowds in were absolutely glowing.

“We work really closely with the relevant authorities.

“Every plan is in place, we’re ready to go whatever scenario is thrown at us.”

The U’s MD did not rule out using Covid tests or vaccine passports – which provide digital proof of whether someone has been vaccinated, received a negative test result or recovered from the virus – if it meant increasing the capacity.

McWilliams added: “There’s absolutely no doubt that vaccine passports will play a major role in allowing fans back into any sporting event.

“We’ve just got to wait to see what they (the government and the English Football League) say.”

McWilliams said the club is ‘very hopeful’ there will be room for all season-ticket holders from the Charlton game onwards and is optimistic the Kassam Stadium could be at least 50 per cent full.

OPINION: Refreshed Oxford United can harness positivity of returning fans

United’s existing season-ticket holders are currently able to secure their seats for 2021/22, before general sale opens next week.

Meanwhile, away supporters were banned from the few games that did have crowds last season, but McWilliams is keen to have travelling fans back at Grenoble Road.

He said: “There’s a genuine, clear appetite from everyone that I’ve spoken to to get away fans back in.

“They bring that vibrancy and colour and add to the atmosphere.

“It’s what football’s all about.”

United’s MD added: “We’ll never forget how important people’s health is and we’ll always be cautious.

“We want people to be safe, we want people to come and enjoy the games.

“We have so missed the yellow background, the noise, the colour and we’re so looking forward to everyone bringing that vibrancy and support back.”