OXFORD United returned to a new-look training ground today ahead of their first session on home turf this summer.
The club’s Oxford Sports Park base has undergone a revamp in the last two months, with upgrades to several areas including the first-team dressing rooms and gym, plus new pitches.
United started pre-season with an eight-day training camp in Spain to allow the work to take place, returning late on Friday night before beating Oxford City 5-2 in their opening friendly on Saturday evening.
READ MORE: Oxford United have bid accepted for transfer target
U’s players caught their first glimpse of the refurbished site this morning as they continue their preparations for the new Sky Bet League One campaign.
United looked sharp at Court Place Farm and their fitness will be tested with a triple session today.
They will be worked hard leading up to Saturday’s double-header at North Leigh (12.30pm) and Banbury United (4pm), when the squad will be split in two.
Head coach Karl Robinson said: “We go into three sessions on Thursday, two sessions on Friday and we’ll play under fatigue on Saturday.
“Again, it’s an opportunity to get into the local community and get more money into those football clubs. I think that’s important.
“Then we’ve got a big week leading into some big games.”
🎨 Plenty of work has been done at the Bangkok Glass Training Centre over the off season
— Oxford United FC (@OUFCOfficial) July 4, 2022
And it's looking fantastic 🔥
🟡🔵 #OUFC | #COYY pic.twitter.com/5PClKxN0Pu
The U’s are yet to show off the revamped training ground to a new face, with former loanee Ciaron Brown their only summer signing so far.
But United have had a bid accepted for a potential new recruit and Robinson hopes to have him in the building by the weekend.
The deal cannot be completed until another country’s transfer window opens but personal terms have been agreed, according to the U’s boss.
READ MORE: Oxford United's pre-season friendly fixture list in full
United’s schedule gets busier from next week as they play five games in 12 days.
They travel to Hungerford Town and Eastleigh on July 12 and 13 respectively, before facing three English Football League sides.
Coventry City visit the Kassam Stadium on July 16, with their Sky Bet Championship rivals West Bromwich Albion making the trip three days later.
United’s final friendly is at Sky Bet League Two side AFC Wimbledon on July 23, seven days before they start the League One season at Derby County.
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