AFTER three away games in a row it is good to be back in Oxford for tomorrow’s game at home to AFC Wimbledon.

We have had the better of games against them in the past, but that counts for nothing – every game in this league has been close so far and we expect another great test.

We won’t change our preparations too much for a Sunday kick-off.

The lads had a day off earlier in the week, so Saturday is the new Friday!

We will train today in much the same way as we always do the day before a game – team shape and match preparation rather than any huge physical workout.

The bigger change in routine is down to the kickoff time because a 12.15 start means pre-match moves forward.

Think of the players with their bowls of pasta while you are eating your cornflakes tomorrow morning!

In reality, our sports science team will have organised a proper pre-match programme for the players to stick to.

That area of the game has come on so much even since I stopped playing.

We have a nutritionist with us this season, James Hudson, who will work alongside our head of sports science Andrew Proctor and lead sports scientist Scott Daly to make sure the players are fuelled properly for the match.

Just as important is the refuelling.

We have had two games this week, at Bolton and Swindon, where I think everyone in the squad has given their all.

You need to make sure they recover quickly and are fresh and fully focussed by the time you get to kickoff.

Talking of the games it was a strange end to our match at Swindon on Tuesday night.

I thought the lads had played well and deserved their draw, but then we had penalty kicks for the bonus point.

Swindon got the extra point, but the record book will show a draw and that keeps our unbeaten run against them going, so I guess that is honours even?

It came after another great performance up at Bolton where the fans were unbelievable and we fully deserved to win.

We are coming up against bigger clubs this season, so what better way of setting down a marker and showing that we are not afraid of any side in this division, home or away.

Hopefully it gives us something to build on tomorrow.

I THINK it is easy to lose perspective when you work in football because it takes over your whole world.

Sometimes you have to sit back and take stock and last week we were all saddened to hear of the death of Oxford fan Lewis Mangan, who died aged just 20.

I believe the fans will pay tribute in the 20th minute tomorrow with a minute’s applause.

That is a really nice touch and it would be great to see everyone join in around the ground.

We talk about Oxford United being a family club and it is moments like this that really bring everyone together.