Oxford United’s players were back in the familiar routine this morning when they reported back for pre-season testing.
The squad reported back today in small groups rather than as a whole squad- that happens on Monday- and were put through their paces with a series of tests in the gym and on the fantastic new pitches at the training ground on Horspath Road.
The players will be in a black training kit this season while the staff are in navy; training kit will be available in the club shop later in the summer.
Karl Robinson oversaw the day and told us:
“It was good to see everyone again after the summer. They have all had programmes to complete over the last few weeks and the tests were there just to show us where they are all at: Chris Short has put together a really thorough pre-season plan and our sports science and medical team are excellent. Today was just about making sure everyone is in good shape, and then the real hard work will start next week".
There were two notable players back in training today and a couple missing:
“Hally is fully fit and ready, Shandon Baptiste is just about there as well but obviously we have to be sensible with them rather than undo the work they have done over the summer. Gavin Whyte and Mark Sykes will come back a little later because they were away with Northern Ireland and haven’t had a break yet. They will join us in Portugal next week and then be available for our first game, away at Rangers.”
See a look behind the scenes on the first day back in iFollow right now