POPULAR defender Les Robinson is to become Oxford United's new club captain.

The 31-year-old full back, voted Player of the Year last season, will take over from Mike Ford who was released by the club last month and has now joined Cardiff City.

Manager Malcolm Shot-ton, himself a former Manor skipper, admitted he had given the subject some thought but had decided to stick with Robinson who was acting captain towards the end of last season when Ford was sidelined.

Robinson is one of the most consistent performers in the team, was an ever present last season and has made nearly 500 league appearances, including alm-ost 300 for Oxford.

"Being captain is an important role and I revelled in it," said Shotton. "It gives you a shot in the arm and hopefully it will do that with Les."

The United players who reported back for pre-season training on Wednesday and thought it couldn't get much worse than their traditional gruelling first-day run at Shotover are in for a surprise.

Tomorrow they're off to the army assault course at St George's Barracks, Bicester.

"This was supposed to be a secret but a few of the players have guessed already what we're doing," said Shotton. "The person who'll be taking it is called Sargeant Lee Bark!" Meanwhile, Unted's signing of Aberdeen midfielder/ striker Dean Windass is expected to be completed in the next couple of days, according to Dons boss Alex Miller.

UNITED have been drawn against Luton Town in the first round of the Worthington league Cup, previously sponsored by Coca-Cola. The first leg is at Kenilworth Road on August 11, with the return a week later at the Manor.

UNITED have fixed up two friendlies for their reserves. They travel to AFC Newbury on July 29 and take on Oxford City at Court Place Farm on August 3.

SEAT tickets for United's game against Greek side Panionios on Friday, July 31 are now on sale.

Prices: Beech Rd seats: £10 adults, £5 unders 16s/OAPs; Manor Executive Club: £12/£6; Beech Rd, London Rd terrace: £8/£4. Osler Road and unconvered family seats not open for this fixture.

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