New boss Brian Talbot led from the front when the Oxford United players returned for their first day of pre-season training yesterday.

The former Ipswich and Arsenal midfielder joined in with the players as they got the stiffness out with some gruelling runs around hilly South Park in Oxford.

Talbot's summer signings Billy Turley, Chris Willmott, Lee Mansell and Stuart Gray were among the large group, which also included Jamie Brooks, Jon Ashton, Leo Roget and Mark E'Beyer, all recovering from injury and illness.

Talbot undoubtedly gained the players' respect with his stamina.

Lee Bradbury, last season's club captain, said: "He's so fit, for 52 or whatever he is. I'd be happy to be that fit at his age.

"He says he won't ask us to do anything he can't do . . . but just quicker!"

Talbot, who is 52 later this month, said: "I think, as you get older, you've got to have pride in your own appearance and your own fitness levels.

"There's no need for me to be at the front and I can't keep up with the players, but you try to lead by example.

"I'll ask them to do things quicker than me as time goes on, but this is quite a big park. I hope they're quicker than me on a pitch though!"

Talbot added: "The first day is always difficult because you're getting to know the lads.

"I'm new as well, I'm getting to know names, faces, they're getting to know me, but I'm sure by the end of next week we'll know each other and it will be fine.

"From Monday, all the training will be done on football pitches, there'll be no more parks. The truth of the matter is I haven't got a football pitch until Monday."

Midfielder E'Beyer was back training following six months on the sidelines after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Talbot said: "It was fantastic today to see Mark E'Beyer running around a park.

"Whether he's fit for the start of the season, or not, it's just so pleasing to see him in his kit, running around after the terrible time he's had."