Oxford prepares for Wembley play-off final

Across the city, fans have been creative in expressing their support for Oxford United

Football fans have been showing support for their city's football team in imaginative ways ahead of the League One Play-off Final.

Oxford United face Bolton Wanderers at Wembley Stadium at 16:15 BST and fans across the city have been showing their support ahead of the game.

School children sang to Yellows manager Des Buckingham and animals at Cotswold Wildlife Park attempted to predict the winner.

Around 30,000 fans are expected to travel to Wembley for the final, in a match where the winner secures promotion to the Championship.

The U's flag has been pulled up the pole at Oxford Castle as the city gets behind its team ahead of their final at Wembley.

The team reached the League One Play-off Final in 2020 but Covid19 meant the game took place behind closed doors.

In November, Des Buckingham returned home to manage Oxford United having started his coaching career as the teams academy coach in 2003.

Pupils at the city's Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School, which he attended as a child, sung to the tune Que Sera Sera for the boss.

Tortoises and Brazilian Tapirs at Cotswold Wildlife Park have guessed who they think will win the game.

Oxford are considered underdogs for the match after the team finished fifth in the league, two places behind Bolton.

The Yellows also lost five-nil the last time the two sides met, but the animals at the park had Oxford United as the winners.

Husband and wife Colin and Melanie O'Toole are Oxford United super-fans who have transformed their car into what they call "Smartie the Oxford United Car."

The car is bright yellow on its interior and exterior, and has the Oxford United ox logo plastered on various parts of the vehicle.

Mrs O'Toole said her husband, who even has his clubs crest tattooed on his leg, is now searching for horns to put on the car to complete the look.

"It's fun and it makes people smile," she said.

BBC Radio Oxford will broadcast the full match live from kick off at 16:15 BST.