Oxford United fans last night reacted with cautious optimism to the changing of the guard at their club.

Although some of their questions remain unanswered, supporters appeared united in their efforts to attract a bumper crowd for tomorrow's home game against Rushden and Diamonds.

Speaking soon after Kelvin Thomas was named as the new chairman, Trevor Lambert, chairman of supporters' trust OxVox, said: "The timing has taken us by surprise. The immediate reaction is that we wish Kelvin every success.

"I think the main thing we need now is a rallying together of everybody associated with the club to try to get fresh energy and optimism and look to the future.

"We really need to focus on what can be done to make the club recover. Now is an opportunity to take things forward in a better way.

"There will be that degree of sympathy for Nick Merry. In different ways perhaps he overstretched himself by being pretty ambitious and things didn’t work out, but we should recognise his tremendous effort.

"With Kelvin on board there are prospects of supporters — whether that's the trust or other groups — getting a positive hearing and things are going to improve in that direction, I would be quite confident of that.

"I'm not going to say anything negative about Nick Merry. His heart is behind Oxford United and he has been enthusiastic and optimistic — unfortunately, things haven't worked out.

"The club put itself under huge pressure by spending a lot of money and there must be time for recovery.

"Kelvin Thomas will have to look at how to bring more money into the club and promote it and get it going. We will do anything we can to bring that about. These sound like just words but we are trying to encourage practical ways of doing this."

OxVox was today expected to launch projects enabling fans to directly invest money in the club's youth scheme or into an account that could be used for shares in the stadium.

Mr Lambert, who said the trust had worked well with Mr Thomas in the past, added: "One of the biggest differences that can be made in the very short term is getting people in seats.

"I would have thought there would be a massive turn out on Saturday now — not because they want to see Nick Merry leave, but because after the recent uncertainty there is now a positive message. Let's get there and make an effort to give our support."

Season-ticket holder Sally French, 31, from Abingdon said: "I'm surprised at the news but obviously there has been some uncertainty.

"As a fan I’m more worried with what is happening on the pitch and I would like to know what's going to happen with (Darren) Patterson.

"I hope he isn't sacked because I want to see some continuity at the club."

Fellow season-ticket holder Michael Nevay, 25, said: "Hopefully this will be a positive step for the club after a start to the season which has been plagued with off-the-field difficulties. Kelvin Thomas seems enthusiastic and committed — hopefully he has the resources to take us forward."