OXFORD United's players have threatened to strike if they are not paid by Saturday's game against Watford.

One player, who did not want to be named, said: "We are thinking about striking for Saturday's game. We haven't been paid and it is unbelievable.

"We're right behind the club and if we didn't have as much love for it, we'd be striking already. But we can't go on for ever . . . it's got to be resolved."

The Professional Footballers' Association have bailed United out by part-paying players' wages over the last two months, but the club will not be going down that road this time, said managing director Keith Cox.

It now appears very likely that the club may have to go into administration.

If the players are not paid within two weeks, they are entitled to free transfers. But, in practice, no club ever gets itself into that situation. United say there is no question of players witholding their playing services tonight, when United's Reserves take on Millwall Res at the Manor Ground in the Avon Insurance Combination (7.30).

Top-scorer Dean Windass and left back Simon Marsh will be among those playing in the reserves because the duo are suspended for Saturday's Division 1 game after collecting five bookings this season.

Said manager Malcolm Shotton: "We're getting all the players in today and we'll decide on a team for tonight from that.

"The players need to be informed of the situation. I understand their feelings but they know they're going to be paid. Other staff, including myself, don't."

United's manager added: "I wish players who have grievances would come and say them to my face."

That seemed a clear response to Windass's statement in yesterday's Oxford Mail when the player said he felt he had been brought to the club under virtually false pretences.

"There's no way the players will go on strike," insisted Shotton. "I can't fault them for their attitude."

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