IT played a part in Oxford United’s flying start to their promtion season – so Chris Wilder will hope that a pre-season tour to Scotland will do the trick again this summer.

The U’s manager will again take his side north of the border for a six-day training camp – almost a team bonding exercise – in mid-July.

A match against Livingston has already been confirmed for Tuesday, July 20, with another to be announced on Saturday, July 17.

United have announced part of their pre-season plans, which include matches at local sides Oxford City, Didcot Town, Banbury United and Brackley Town.

And the club have promised that there will be “some very attractive and exciting home fixtures announced in the near future”.

These are likely to be on Saturday, July 24 and Sat-urday, July 31 – plus there is also the chance of a high-profile midweek game.

The club are awaiting confirmation from potential opponents before they release more information.

Last season’s Scotland ad-venture saw United take on Greenock Morton and then play a behind-closed-doors fri-endly against Rangers.

With Wilder having assembled nearly all of his squad before the trip 12 months ago, it was a fine opportunity for the players and management to get to know each other.

  • MANSFIELD have signed former United defender Kevin Sandwith.

Mansfield boss David Hold-sworth said: “Kevin will bring knowledge to our back four.”

OXFORD UNITED PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE AS IT STANDS

Tuesday, July 13: Didcot Town (a).

Tuesday, July 20: Livingston (a).

Monday, July 26: Brackley (a).

Friday, July 30: Oxford City (a).

Monday, August 2: Banbury United (a).