ANTHONY Forde knows the importance of hitting the ground running in pre-season.

The Irishman’s new one-year contract was announced yesterday, 24 hours after he returned to training with the rest of the Oxford United squad.

It commits Forde to a third season with the U’s, as they seek to go one better than the play-off disappointments of the last two campaigns.

The versatile 27-year-old offers plenty of Sky Bet League One experience to the squad and won promotion from the third tier with Rotherham United in 2017/18.

With plenty of big-hitters in the division next season, he knows the gains made over the next few weeks could be vital.

Forde said: “It’s never easy, but you have to push yourself because it’ll stand you in good stead for the season.

“Every time you come back it’s still harder than what you think it’s going to be.”

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He added: “It’s going to be a tough season – every season is really.

“We still have the majority of the players and with the experience we’ve got we should be in and around it again.”

The U’s completed their first day of full training at Oxford Sports Park yesterday, with new director of performance Chris Neville and head of sports science Harry Routledge overseeing a series of drills.

They are back in today before a day off tomorrow, with a full programme ahead of them next week.

It has been a chance to meet new signings, with one, Ryan Williams, gaining promotion with Forde at Rotherham.

And the ex-Wolves trainee has already been impressed by his new teammate.

Forde said: “He’s very fit, and he’s rapid as well.

“He’s a great addition to the squad, he’s a really good player and a great lad to have around the place.

“He’s had great experience in this league, getting promoted and into the play-offs.”