THE next generation at Oxford United will potentially be playing to impress future loan clubs over the next couple of days.

The U’s head to Court Place Farm this evening, to take on neighbours Oxford City, before a quick turnaround sees United visit Solihull Moors in pre-season tomorrow afternoon.

Players such as James Golding, Josh Johnson, Max Woltman, and summer signing Jacob Knightbridge, are among those that might head out on loan this season, and the games against the Hoops and the Moors could be ideal chances to make an impression.

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The U’s have a strong connection with City, while former United defender Andy Whing is the head coach at Solihull.

Whing led Banbury United to a historic promotion during the 2021/22 season, winning the Southern League Premier Central title by an astonishing 23 points, before a 17th-placed finish in the Vanarama National League North, the highest league finish the Puritans have ever achieved.

He joined the Moors last summer, and was unfortunate to see his side lose on penalties in both the National League play-off final and FA Trophy final last season.

U’s head coach Des Buckingham said: “If players do go out the building, especially on loan, most of them are development loans.

“We’ve signed players here that went out last year and may go out again this coming season.

“It’s about making sure we send them to what we feel is the best place for them, and not necessarily the biggest or most attractive club, but the best environment for them to develop in the way we want them to develop.

“We know Andy. He was a player here and he’s had some real success in the two jobs he’s had.

“We’ve got Oxford City down the road as well, so we’ve got good environments that we know of, but it’s about making sure we pick the right places for these players.”

United kick-off against the Hoops at 7.30pm tonight, with the hosts set to display their new home shirt, sponsored by the University of Oxford, for the first time.

The U’s then make the trip to Damson Park tomorrow afternoon, with kick-off at 1pm.

The pre-season schedule will then turn to a behind closed doors game against Exeter City next Wednesday, ahead of a visit to Mansfield Town on July 27.

United round off pre-season with home games against Southampton and Palermo on July 31 and August 3 respectively, prior to the Sky Bet Championship season kicking off on August 10 at home to Norwich City.