Staff at Oxford United's club shop have been busier than Santa in the run-up to Christmas as fans go mad for goodies to fill their stockings.

Hilary Sillman, manager of the club shop, said sales had gone through the roof in the last few days and as fast as stock was put on the shelves, the fans were snapping it up.

She said: "It's been absolutely manic. The shop has been open later in the run-up to Christmas and is open today from 10am until 3pm to keep up with demand.

"Fans can't seem to get enough of United merchandise."

Among the best-selling items are the official Oxford United 2007 calendar, home and away shirts and training tops.

"As fast as we're stocking the shelves, the fans are clearing them," she said. "It's been so busy.

"The stuff is flying out the door and the tills and phones just haven't stopped. It's been great to see.

"Items like the calendar, which we haven't done for a few years, have been very popular, as have the shirts and children's clothing."

Mrs Sillman said she did not have sales figures for the year yet, but thought they could be as much as double last year's.

Looking back over the year, she said: "The big difference has been the arrival of Nick Merry. Things have just been getting better and better since he took over. Sales in the shop started picking up when he first arrived and we've never really looked back.

"The chairman came over to see how things were going earlier in the week and ended up spending two hours in here signing autographs."

United spokesman Chris Williams added: "The spirit around the club has been fantastic recently and that is obviously being reflected in the club shop's sales and success."

Mr Williams said the club would be launching an online shop in the new year.

Earlier in the year, United teamed up with the Oxford Mail and the Oxford Children's Hospital Campaign to launch the Oxford Loyal wristband. Proceeds from the sale of the £1 yellow and blue bands went to the campaign and the bands fast became a must-have accessory for fans across the county.

The club announced this week that it had chosen the children's hospital campaign as its "charity of choice" for 2007.