Oxford United fans came face-to-face with their club's latest signing for the first time tonight - a giant bronze ox.

Supporters stopped and inspected the aggressive-looking sculpture as they filtered into the Kassam Stadium to watch the U's take on Blue Square Premier rivals Cambridge United.

Standing atop a five-foot marble plinth at the south-west corner of the ground, fans could hardly miss the beast's pointed horns and head-down stance.

The much-delayed piece of art, which was a condition of the stadium's planning approval, was given a warm reception by fans who hoped the animal's arrival would signal a swift change in the team's fortunes on the pitch.

And it certainly drew large crowds before tonight's kick-off with fans eager to have their picture taken next to the impressive statue.

One fan even placed an Oxford United wristband over one of its horns, just in case anyone was in any doubt over its allegiance.

Alan Mawby, 64, from Chinnor made a special pilgrimage to the Kassam Stadium on Sunday to see the sculpture.

He was at the match last night with friends Jim Belfrage and Barry Yates.

Mr Belfrage, 71, from Aylesbury, said: "It's brilliant, but it could have been a bit closer to the ground - it's a bit isolated where it is."

Ollie Green, eight, from Abingdon, said: "I think it looks cool because it looks really fierce."

Pete Ballard, 73, Botley, said: " It's got the determination which we will need to go up next season."

Some supporters suggested the ox - which has not yet been named - has finally made the stadium, which the club still rent from former owner Firoz Kassam, feel a little more like home.

The £25,000 piece of art was funded by Ridge & Partners, Oxford Stone & Marble, STL Communications and shirt sponsors Buildbase.

The project was co-ordinated by former club director Brendon Cross and was officially unveiled at a low-key ceremony last week.

For months, speculation surrounded exactly what kind of public art would be displayed outside the ground, with some suggesting it might have been a statue of former manager and current club director Jim Smith.

Others said it could have been a statue of one of the club's most treasured players including John Aldridge, Ray Houghton or even Trevor Hebberd.

However, the club chose a giant Ox - symbolic of an Ox crossing a ford, which is the official emblem of Oxford United.