A BROADCASTER known to millions of sports fans has lent his support to the latest initiative to help his beloved Oxford United.

ITV’s Jim Rosenthal has embraced the 12th Man wristbands which went on sale yesterday to raise cash to strengthen Chris Wilder’s side.

The well-known U’s fan, who famously could not hide is impartiality when presenting coverage of Oxford’s 1986 Milk Cup win, said: “The 12th Man is phenomenal.

“It’s a really great initiative that just shows how important it is for the fans and the players to be one team.

“Chris Wilder wore his badge on ITV in the FA Cup and it just pushes it around. I reckon lots of other clubs are thinking ‘why didn’t we think of that?’.

“Buying Jamie Cook as part of it has had a real impact and the club and the fans are really forming a close relationship.”

The 62-year-old, who started his career at the Oxford Mail, added: “I think a lot of it is down to Kelvin Thomas. It was an initiative from the fans that he picked up very readily.

“Oxford fans are a very special group of people.

“They’re so tolerant, they don’t get on the team’s back, they get behind the team and are true supporters, not just fans.

“On the pitch, the team is delivering. I don’t think that feelgood factor and the closer link with the fans and the club is any coincidence.”

The wristbands are available for a suggested minimum donation of £1, of which every penny goes to the 12th Man fund.

You can buy the wristbands from:

Eidco, Botley Road

Acorn, St Nicholas Road, Littlemore

Deltys, Blackbird Leys

Spar, Greater Leys

Lal News, Barns Road, Cowley

Old Mans Premier, Rose Hill

Duduar News, Horspath Road, Cowley

Horspath Post Office and Stores, Horspath

Premier, London Road, Headington

John Irvin stall, St Ebbes, Oxford.