Oxford United will renew old acquaintances with Tommy Mooney at one of the earliest opportunities possible next season.

They face derby rivals Wycombe Wanderers - whom Mooney joined on a free transfer this month - in the first Saturday match at the Kassam Stadium on August 13.

The Football League fixtures were released today and they have not been overly kind on the U's, who begin their fifth consecutive season in the bottom division - Coca-Cola League Two - with a long trip to Grimsby.

The first home match for new manager Brian Talbot, who only took over officially following the final match of last season, is against relegated Torquay United on Wednesday, August 10.

Mark Wright's first return to the Kassam Stadium since resigning as Oxford United boss in acrimonious circumstances in November 2001 will not be until March 25.

Wright quit the U's after an FA probe into allegations that he had racially abused black referee Joe Ross.

He then took charge at Chester and is now the new manager of Peterborough, who were relegated from League One.

The U's visit Peterborough's London Road on December 28, two days after a Boxing Day home match against Notts County.

Denis Smith is another of their ex-managers Oxford will face again. His Wrexham side visit the Kassam Stadium on November 12.

United have what looks like a good end to the season, with four of their final six games at home, finishing with a clash against Leyton Orient.

But there is a long Tuesday night trip to Rochdale, on September 27 and the New Year and Easter fixtures also bring long journeys for their fans, with a January 2 trek to Chester and an Easter Monday journey to Boston.

Conference champions Barnet make their first appearance at the Kassam Stadium on Easter Saturday, April 15.

United secretary Mick Brown said: "Wycombe for our first Saturday home game is quite a juicy one for the fans, to get a local derby so early, and with a certain Mr Mooney coming back."

See www.thisisunited.co.uk for a full fixture list