OXFORD United are drawing up contingency plans to minimise disruption while they wait to move into their new training base.

The lack of a water supply at the £4.9m Oxford Sports Park, near Horspath, has forced the staff to prepare a back-up venue for pre-season sessions.

When United confirmed in March they would be based at the new complex, which has a wide variety of facilities for the community, the intention was for it to be completed in time for the start of July.

However, that deadline has passed.

And although it has not been an issue so far for United, timing is now of the essence.

Oxford Mail:

The newly-laid pitches are desperate for water with the heatwave damaging the turf and making them unfit for use.

It means that even when the water supply is connected, the playing surfaces would need considerable work to bring them up to the required standard.

United’s squad underwent physical tests at Abingdon School last month before flying to their training camp in Ireland, which ended yesterday.

But from Monday the preparations for the new season are due begin in earnest on home soil, with three weeks left before the start of the Sky Bet League One season.

United, whose academy will also be based at the site, have been busy in the last few days seeking alternative options, with manager Karl Robinson believing the hold-up could last another fortnight.

“It’s been delayed a little bit,” he said.

“We’ve been told the 29th (is the final deadline), which still gives us a week in our new base, but we don’t know – it could be done tomorrow.

“You can’t move into anywhere that’s got no water. Hopefully it will be sorted sooner rather than later.

“We knew the water was going to be a little bit of a problem, so we’ve spoken to one or two places and sent them our schedule for the next two weeks.”

When completed, United believe the training ground will be one of the best in their division and is a significant upgrade on their previous home at neighbouring Roman Way.

Several prospective signings have been given a tour of the complex and while the delay is not ideal, Robinson is confident it will be worth the wait.

He said: “It’s a small price to pay to move into a multi-functional training ground that allows us to grow.

“These things are part and parcel of it.”

Fusion Lifestyle, which has a 25-year lease to operate the facility – which is on Oxford City Council-owned land – is expected to release a statement today clarifying the position.