When Nick Merry bought Oxford United from Firoz Kassam three months ago he vowed to give the club back to the community.

And he'll be doing just that on Saturday, July 8, when United throw open their doors for a family fun day.

Fans old and new will be able to meet chairman Mr Merry, right, and manager Jim Smith, together with all the players, as well as watch a training session.

Mr Merry said: "It will be a great opportunity for fans to come along and meet the players and get involved.

"All our new signings will be there - it promises to be a fantastic day. We hope to see a great turnout of fans."

The deadline for season ticket sales has been extended so fans will still be able to snap them up at the fun day.

There will also be a behind the scenes and changing room tour as well as the launch of the 2006/07 kit.

And any youngsters getting excited about the pre-season friendly against Manchester United should make sure they attend - because there will be a raffle for all under-12s with the winner being crowned mascot for the game.

Club director Kelvin Thomas said: "We really want everyone to come down and have a great day.

"It's your club, so come and be part of it. Meet the players, tour the stadium, join in the fun and come and be part of the club's future.

"We would like as much support as possible ahead of next season, so come and get behind the club. We're really excited about the future of the club and want to share that with everyone."

Former children's TV presenter and diehard United fan Timmy Mallett will also be at the stadium meeting fans.

He said: "After the final match of the season, we were all devastated. But now it seems there is a really fresh feel around the club. I really hope to see United get back into the League and work their way up through the various divisions.

"I'm looking forward to being part of the fun day. I've been a fan for decades and it'll be good to speak to other supporters."

The huge success of the Oxford Loyal wristbands, launched by United and the Oxford Mail two weeks ago, led to supplies being wiped out within days of them going on sale, but there will be more bands available at the fun day.

Tom Mitchell, the Oxford Mail's publishing manager, said: "We were amazed at the response to the wristbands, they were hugely popular. We have ordered 2,000 more and they will be on sale at the fun day."

Profits from the sale of the bands will be split between the Oxford Children's Hospital Campaign and United's youth development squad