OXFORD United have announced big changes in their retail department, which will give them more control over their design of merchandise.

As part of the new plan, the shop near the ground will close on Friday and a new unit is planned onsite before the start of next season, along with a revamped website.

It comes from the decision not to renew a contract with JustSport, the club’s retail partner for the past five seasons.

The move will give United more control over their suppliers for the full range of kit – rather than rely on template-based designs.

New home and away kits are due in late July.

Kevin Smith, director of business operations at the U’s, said: “By sourcing our products directly from suppliers we are afforded significantly more choice and can offer unique and bespoke items for our supporters at the right price, which we feel is the right thing to do.

“We are excited about the 2015-16 playing kits, which have been designed following fan input and which we hope will be very popular.

“We’ve invested in our new retail website which will go live ahead of the new kit launch in July and are working to improve the match day supporter experience at the Kassam Stadium with the introduction of a new retail unit on site.”