The majority of Oxford United fans are set to stay loyal to the club despite enduring a difficult campaign.

That’s the view of Mark Sennett, chairman of supporter group OxVox, as the first 2013/14 season tickets went on sale yesterday.

The club have raised prices for the first time in three years, but believe a raft of incentives, including discounts on replica shirts and a dedicated supporters’ bar, will appeal.

They were made public on Saturday, when United slipped into the bottom half of the npower League Two table following a 1-0 home defeat to Wycombe.

It has been a disappointing few months for the U’s, but Sennett, whose group pushed for prices to remain the same, does not think the increases or the results will significantly alter the numbers of season-ticket holders.

He said: “Oxford fans are loyal and we wouldn’t expect that to change at all.

“We made a recommendation to freeze the prices, but we can understand why the club has done it.

“They have costs they have to look at and want to have a competitive budget. The bottom line and what fans care about is having a successful season.”

United reported steady business yesterday.

Dr Andrew Teal, a chaplain and lecturer at Pembroke College, became a season ticket-holder for the first time after attending most games this season and is keeping faith that brighter times lie ahead.

He said: “Oxford United has become very important to me and I wanted to get my ticket sorted for next season.

“I know the performances haven’t been great, but I’m hoping for a new start next season.”

While the reaction has been broadly positive, a section of supporters have been critical.

Sennett feels there will be some who will hold off buying until they see what happens after the end of the season.

He said: “It’s a summer where clearly big changes are going to happen – we have 16 players out of contract for a start.

“There will always be people who will wait and see what the signings are and what the manager’s situation is.”