Big Ron knows what he'd do to get Oxford United back in the Football League – he'd put a slope on the Kassam Stadium pitch!

Ron Atkinson, who played with great distinction for Oxford United and then left the Manor to take charge of Kettering – his first managerial appointment – watched last Saturday's 1-1 draw between the two clubs.

He said: "For me, personally, a draw was the right result, but I think it was too on the play. It was very competitive, with no time for either side to settle on the ball.

"This is a massive year for Oxford United. It's going to be very hard to get back because a lot of the other teams are very competitive now.

"It's looking as though it's going to be a long old haul back. I know what I'd do – I'd put a slope on the pitch," he laughed.