Oxford United owner Ian Lenagan says the club’s board will give manager Chris Wilder what he wants to strengthen the team for next season.

And he confirmed that means an increased budget for United’s second season in League Two compared to their first one back.

The outstanding support Oxford United have had from their fans this season – the 7,277 average gate was the second highest in the division – has helped put the club in a healthy position.

Reflecting on the 2010-11 campaign after the final game at Shrewsbury last Saturday, Lenagan said: “I think the football club is in a good position financially.

“Kelvin (Thomas) as chairmanhe runs the club very well, I think Chris as the manager is excellent, and the quality of football this year has been good.

“But over everything it’s the fans.

“You look at the increase in attendances, and the plans that we have – we’re not happy with just being in this division, we want to be further up – and I’m pleased with how it’s going.”

Just under 90 per cent of Oxford United shares are owned by Woodstock Partners Ltd, which is owned by Lenagan.

So it is he more than anyone who controls the purse strings.

Asked whether funds will be made available to the manager, he replied: “Our job is to give Chris the support that he needs financially.

“And the way that we do that is by increasing our own revenues, controlling our costs, making sure that we’ve got the profit generated that allows Chris to spend the extra money he needs.”

And Lenagan revealed: “We had a board meeting last week and we have agreed to give him what he judges to be necessary, and still keep Oxford United in a positive position financially.”

Because of work commitments and his involvement with Wigan Warriors rugby league club, Lenagan is unable to get to all of United’s games.

But he has seen a fair few this season, and he has thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment served up.

“I think it’s been a highly satisfactory season from everybody’s viewpoint, both on and off the field,” he added. “ I think the support that Oxford United have got has been magnificent.

“I’ve particularly enjoyed the quality of the football that we’ve played. That’s nice to see and it bodes well for the future.”

Born in Scholes, Wigan, Lenagan has lived in Woodstock since 1981.