OXFORD United are “retiring” the No 12 shirt for next season – because they want the fans to be their 12th man.

It’s an initiative from supporters, who want to do their bit to help manager Chris Wilder and his team.

It will still be possible for fans to buy the shirt with No 12 on the back, but no-one in the squad will be assigned that number.

Money raised by a series of associated fund-raising activities that fans plan to organise will go directly towards any additional player that Wilder may want during the season – such as a new loan player.

Last season right back Damian Batt wore the No 12 shirt after he joined midway through the 2008-9 campaign from Grays Athletic.

Midfielder Phil Trainer had been assigned the shirt at the start of the season, and the previous year it was worn by Craig McAllister.

The number is traditionally associated with a team’s best substitute, though in practice, it tends to be given to a player who maybe cannot be guaranteed a first-team place, but is a vital member of the squad At a meeting organised by supporters’ trust OxVox, around 30 fans met to discuss the launch of the initiative.

United chairman Kelvin Thomas and commercial manager David Jackson attended the meeting, and Jackson told the Oxford Mail the club were giving it their full backing.

“It’s a great idea to raise assistance for the playing budget,” he said. “As a club we fully support it.”

Jackson added: “It’s an idea to bring all the fans together, whether individually or in groups – to raise funds that the manager, at any given time, may need for a new player.

“The club have agreed to retire the No 12 shirt home and away next season.

“If a fan wants to wear the shirt, it will still be available from the club shop, and there are going to be different ideas to raise funds, such as a five-a-side football match, sponsored walk, cycle ride and so on through the season.”

The plan has particular relevance because this season Oxford United are changing their kit supplier to Nike.

The new strip is expected to be available in the early part of July.

OxVox spokesman Mark Sennett said: “Chris Wilder is very supportive of the initiative and has always been very adamant about how big a role the fans can play.”