IT is a bit late to be putting together a Christmas list, but I could not pass up the chance to add an Oxford United twist.

A successful January transfer window and promotion would be too obvious (although very welcome), so I have tried to be more specific and limited myself to three wishes.

The first wish is the most relevant right now: no games behind closed doors, please.

Wales and Scotland have banned and limited crowds at grounds again, so it could happen in England.

I would prefer a short suspension over games behind closed doors, as football is so much poorer without supporters.

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Financial concerns and a congested 2022 caused by next year's winter World Cup will come into play, but a 'circuit-breaker' is unlikely to affect that too much.

My next wish is for no major exits in January.

The U’s have shown in the first half of the season they can compete at the top of Sky Bet League One and, in my view, a successful window is keeping what they have.

United are confident that Barnsley will not recall Herbie Kane, while there will inevitably be nerves around Cameron Brannagan’s buyout clause in the first half of the month.

Decent cover at left back and up front would be nice, but if both midfielders stay it will be a huge boost to the U’s promotion chances.

I was tempted to ask for a new stadium as my third wish, but instead it is another off-pitch matter.

We understand United’s change of ownership is still with the English Football League, nine months after news of the deal first emerged.

Those involved are already on board (literally) which explains why the EFL is not treating the deal as a priority, but it would be helpful to draw a line under the issue.

It will give clarity to the situation and enable Anindya Bakrie, Horst Geicke and their associates to speak openly about their vision to help the club unlock their potential.