Oxford United fans have boosted manager Chris Wilder ’s pot for new players by taking part in a sponsored walk.

The 12-mile walk, from the White Heart in Eynsham to the Kassam Stadium , ahead of the Us clash with Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, raised about £1,000.

Fans have already helped raise about £45,000 for the club to purchase new players – through a fund known as The 12th Man – over the past three years.

The fund has helped sign the likes of Us legend Jamie Cook, striker Rob Hall and current club captain Jake Wright.

The group’s treasurer, Trevor Lambert, who was one of nine to take part in the walk, said: “It went very well. We were very lucky with the weather. We came along the A40 cycle track and through Oxford, where we attracted quite a bit of attention because we had The 12th Man flag with us.

“Quite a lot of cars honked their horns at us and a few people stopped and chipped in towards the total.

“The idea of The 12th Man is to try to give the club a little bit of an edge part way through the season when you get unexpected injuries.”

Along with Mr Lambert, Don Gale, Daisy Badcock, Angela Badcock, Darrell Fisher, Danny Johnston, Jan Jordan, Pauline Cross and Rose Green took part in the walk.

Oxford United chairman Ian Lenagan said: “The 12th Man has done a great job over the last three years, raising about £45,000, which is intended to be used to help the club acquire players.

“The fund has got two positives: it provides some help financially – and at times that has been significant in the past; and secondly, it is indicative of the support the club has.

“When you bear in mind I put money into the club, it is nice to see fans collectively putting money into the club as well.

“I think The 12th Man is a great idea and it is a superb indication of the fans of Oxford United and the unique support they have for the club.”

  • To donate to the fund, visit ox12thman.org.uk