The sad demise of Oxford United Football Club’s most high-profile fan club has been confirmed.

The 12th Man group began its fundraising work to help the club finance new signings and pay wages four years ago when the team was still playing non-league football. Its wholehearted backing of Oxford United to the tune of £60,000 has supported them on the journey to the lofty heights they now occupy in League 2 and helped bring in captain Jake Wright among other players.

Full details of the disagreement which has led the fan club to close are yet to emerge but the more recently formed Yellow Army supporter group has already stepped into the breach to replace them.

Supporters will be hoping that this sour note will not detract from a positive season, with any sort of de-stabilising effect on the club unwelcome at this time.