IT'S not only the Romanians who've dyed their hair - Oxford United's Kevin Francis has got the peroxide out during the World Cup, writes JON MURRAY.

The lanky striker was enjoying a laugh with his United teammates on their first day back of pre-season training before manager Malcolm Shotton wiped the smiles off their faces with a gruelling cross-country run at Shotover.

It was probably a shock for the two new boys, summer signings Danny Hill and Andy Thomson, but the first day back is always the worst.

Meanwhile, Aberdeen striker Dean Windass has pleaded with new coach Alex Miller to allow him to leave the club and join Oxford United for £300,000.

That is the only offer Aberdeen have had for the 29-year-old player who managed to sell his home last week and is desperate to return south.

The two clubs are trying to reach agreement over both the fee and the method of payment.

"I thought it would only be a matter of time before I signed for Oxford," Windass is reported as saying.

"I hope the clubs sort it out soon because I don't fancy hunting around for somewhere new to live.

"I'd like to kick-start my career in England and work with my old Hull youth team coach Malcolm Shotton."

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