OXFORD United’s odds to win League Two next season have been slashed by several bookmakers.

Widely available at 20-1 soon after they clinched their place back in the npower-sponsored Football League by winning the Conference play-off final, Oxford’s odds have been cut significantly and they are only 12-1 now with William Hill, Paddy Power and sportingbet. com.

Several others, such as Bet365, BETFRED, Blue Square and Ladbrokes, make Chris Wilder’s side a 14-1 shot, but it is still possible to get them at 16-1 with Tote, Stan James and Coral.

Gillingham, relegated from League One, are the favourites to win League Two, at 8-1 with most bookies.

They are followed by well-supported Bradford City 9-1, losing play-off finalists Rotherham United (10-1) and relegated Wycombe Wanderers (12-1).

Another relegated side, Southend, who yesterday sacked manager Steve Tilson and are under a Football League transfer embargo, are a general 14-1 shot.

Up until recently, Conference champions Stevenage were shorter odds than Oxford to win League Two. But most now rate their odds the same.

Wilder is hoping that the style of football in League Two will bring the best out of his side.

As one of the favourites to win the Blue Square Premier last season, many opponents came and settled for a draw. But the U’s boss thinks it could be different this time around.

“People won’t be coming here and being negative as much,” he said.

League Two title odds (shortest prices): 7-1 Gillingham, Bradford; 9-1 Rotherham, Wycombe; 10-1 Chesterfield, Port Vale; 11-1 Northampton, Shrewsbury, Bury; 12-1 Morecambe, Oxford Utd, Stevenage, Aldershot; 14-1 Southend, Crewe; 16-1 Torquay; 18-1 Lincoln, Burton; 25-1 Stockport; 33-1 Hereford; 40-1 Cheltenham, Macclesfield, Accrington Stanley; 50-1 Barnet.