THERE are two things to note immediately about Oxford United’s training camp – the facilities are several notches higher than recent tours, and southern Spain in July is hot.

It is easy to see why La Cala Resort has become popular with football teams.

The training pitch is immaculate, the food is good and there is an inviting pool to laze around and recover from a tough session.

The water was also needed for the squad to cool down – temperatures were in the low- 30 degrees Celsius when they trained in the morning.

One of the first to set up for the session was kit-man Mark Jarrett, who was given a hero’s welcome from United’s staff in the early hours of the morning after completing a two-day journey in the equipment van.

Today is forecast to be above 40, which will add another challenge to their game with Alhaurin de la Torre this evening.

It will also be the first time United’s players and fans will get together.

The Yellow Army have been arriving since before the weekend and at least 500 are due for the game.

In the meantime, all eyes are on arrivals from the airport, with high hopes of new signings – or even Callum O’Dowda – appearing at any moment.

Now, where’s the sun tan lotion?