Chairman Kelvin Thomas has praised the impact James Constable has made at Oxford United.

The talismanic striker will once again be the headline act as the U’s host their first end-of-season awards dinner at the Kassam Stadium.

The club’s leading scorer for the past three years will receive the Andrew Knapton Supporters’ trophy as well as the Golden Boot award after topping the charts once again.

Although Constable and Tom Craddock finished level on 17 goals, two of Craddock’s came at former club Luton.

‘Beano’ also won the supporters’ award in his first season at United.

Constable agreed a new three-year deal with United at the end of the season, and has set his sights on becoming the club’s all-time record goalscorer.

“James has been a major part of the turnaround of this football club and we are very pleased that he has signed a new deal,” Thomas said.

“There were questions from some about whether he could score goals at this level, but I think he has answered those with his return this year.”

There were rumours last season that other clubs were interested in Constable, but Thomas said that no firm offers were made.

“There were approaches for some players throughout the campaign, but no formal offers,” Thomas said.

“However, I think that approaches are something we will have to deal with in the coming years.

“We have some very talented younger players who are beginning to attract interest.

“We saw an increasing number of scouts at the games and there is interest in some of our players.

“We are in a good situation where we do not have to sell anyone, but it wouldn’t surprise me if we did receive some offers next year.”

l Award picture special in Monday’s Oxford Mail.