Oxford United have put out a plea for a sponsor so that their promotion-chasing team can go on a mid-winter break to recharge their batteries.

Manager Ian Atkins reckons the team, who are third in Division 3, deserve a bit of time out after a gruelling season so far.

But there appears to be no money to pay for a team-bonding break in the sun - and the club's owner Firoz Kassam is doubtful whether they actually need it.

Atkins said: "The lads have been magnificent all through the season. They work extremely hard, and have done so right through from pre-season without a break.

"Even in the summer, we didn't have a chance to get away as a group, so I'd just like to give them a day or two somewhere to break up the routine.

"Unfortunately, we're not in a financial position to fly the squad out to La Manga or anywhere like that.

"What we really need is for someone out there to sponsor us for a trip somewhere. It could be paintballing, a day at the races, a health farm, a golf day or a trip abroad. In fact, a couple of days in the sun would be perfect!

"It's just to get the group together and recharge the batteries for the last third of the season.

"In return, the people can come along with us and join in, or it might be that a TV crew would want to come along and film the day, so it would be good publicity for someone.

"If anyone knows of a suitable day ou, or is able to come up with sponsorship for a day, then get in touch with me at the club and we'll have a think about it."

The club's millionaire owner, Firoz Kassam, has promised the team that he will pay for an end-of-season holiday to Las Vegas or Dubai if they win Division 3, for which there is £25,000 in prize-money.

Kassam said yesterday: "I'm not sure a break is necessary or is something that a third division club normally does or can afford to do, but it has been discussed. A team-bonding session might be of benefit, though.

"I wasn't aware that we were looking for a sponsor for it. With all these things, it usually ends up being me who has to put my hand in my pocket."

Many United players were upset that last season, when the club made around £500,000 from their FA Cup ties against Swindon and Arsenal, that they were not rewarded with a winter break.