United step things up as they welcome Birmingham City
United fans get the chance to see the new-look U’s in home action for the first time as they welcome Birmingham City to the Kassam Stadium on Saturday (3pm).
Chris Wilder has a full squad to choose from with new faces Dave Kitson, David Hunt, Tom Newey, Jon Meades and Danny Rose all set to feature. The squad have enjoyed a trip to Wigan Warriors, a Marine base and a tour of Scotland but now face tough opposition in Lee Clark’s Championship Blues.
“It goes on to a different level” Chris Wilder told Yellow Player.”Everything has been fantastic so far; the training, the attitude of the players, everything has been spot on. The way they have conducted themselves has been first class whether they have been on a mountain top, a training ground or a football pitch. Everything they have done they have done very professionally but now we move on to the next level.
“We are starting to bed the team down. There are players who might have to do a little bit more to get into the team and there will be players who are in the side who need to do enough in the next two games to make sure they stay in. Everyone needs to step up, especially with the quality of the opposition in the next two weeks”.
It has been a week of hard work in the intense heat but the United Manager says that his side have been well looked after this summer:
“You have to be mindful because it takes a lot out of the players. We are not precious with them but you do have to make sure they get plenty of liquids on board and do the right things. They have breaks and it is closely monitored and they look in good shape.”
With two weeks to go until the big kick off at Portsmouth Chris is starting to shape his team for the opener:
“I don’t think there will be massive surprises on that front against Birmingham, it is up to everyone to stake their claim. We have the development squad who are coming along nicely, all our senior players will play a part on Saturday and then we have a game on Tuesday at Oxford City and then one at home to Coventry the week after. Nothing is set in stone and we are still finalising a few things and our selection so it isn’t done and dusted.
“The players have worked hard and been competitive and we have everyone available, which is great news.”
See the full interview plus the thoughts of Ryan Clarke in Yellow Player now.
Book your place for Saturday’s game. Tickets are just £10 for adults. Call 01865 337533 or visit www.oufctickets.co.uk