OXFORD United have vowed to consult with supporters in future to avoid the controversy surrounding the EFL Trophy, according to supporters’ trust OxVox.

The club have come in for criticism after revealing they voted in favour of the revamped format of what was known as the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

It will see 16 Premier League academy sides introduced, along with four-team groups.

OxVox joined many fans’ groups across the country in raising concerns over adding fixtures to an already-maligned competition, while the presence of academy teams is seen as the first step to top-flight B teams playing in the Football League.

The vote was not unanimously backed by the clubs and United’s board was split, with owner Darryl Eales not in favour.

But following a backlash over the weekend, the club have been in discussions with OxVox.

And in a statement released last night, the trust revealed United were seeking greater transparency to avoid a repeat.

It read: “Darryl has given an undertaking to OxVox, which he is happy for us to make public, that in future the club will fully consult the Trust prior to any similar situation requiring the club to express a view.

“This commitment will accelerate the plans for fan representation on the board of Oxford United and ensure fans have a greater voice in the decisions our football club makes.”

For their part, United have already gone further than most in going public with the decision.

Their statement made it clear they had voted for a one-season pilot of the format, which had been introduced amid concerns over the competition’s survival.

The U’s, who took 34,000 fans to the final at Wembley in April and netted about £400,000, also insist they would reject any move to bring B teams into the league system.

Despite this, there was an acknowledgement many would have opposing views.

The club’s statement read: “We understand that many supporters will be surprised by this and some will disagree, however following careful consideration and discussion, overall the board decided it was important to support and explore ways to ensure the competition can survive.”

Eales was unable to attend the AGM in Portugal, so Greig Box Turnbull represented United.

The club’s new managing director is also a long-standing OxVox member and the trust are keen to reiterate their backing.

They say: “We are absolutely confident that Greig has the very best interests of Oxford United and its fans at heart and we will continue to support him as he establishes his role in the club.”

MAX Crocombe was an unused substitute as New Zealand won the OFC Nations Cup.

The White Caps beat hosts Papua New Guinea 4-2 on penalties after the final finished goalless, qualifying for next year’s Confederations Cup in Russia.