OXFORD are for a massive boost with the return of former world champion Billy Hamill within the next three weeks.

The Californian has been out since late March with multiple injuries suffered as the result of a crash at Swindon where former Oxford rider Jonas Davisson ploughed into him.

Hamill said this week: "I am working with a great physiotherapist and I hope to get some practice in soon.

"Things are coming on and I want to try and be back riding on June 16.

"I am ready to start intensive training."

Silver Machine boss Nigel Wagstaff said: "Billy is making good progress right now and it will be great to have him back."

The sooner he is back the better.

Not only are Oxford struggling at the foot of the table, but Wagstaff must be concerned at the attendances.

It was expected that they would fall because of the change of race night, but a winning team would have changed all that.

However, forever the optimist, Wagstaff has continued to be enthusiastic about the future, judging by his unstinting efforts to improve the team this year.