The secret to Oxford United’s form this season may have finally been revealed.

An artificial pitch has been installed in the home changing room for pre-match and half-time tactics.

Manager Pep Clotet can also use it to work on set pieces.

The five by 15 metre pitch was laid at the beginning of the season by UK supplier ArtificialGrass.com.

United are thought to be the first club in English football to have a pitch in their changing room.

The club’s business development manager Peter Rhoades-Brown, said it was having a positive impact on the team.

He said: “Our players really like the new surface.

“It not only brightens up the changing room area, but is also of valuable practical use; in particular being ideal for developing tactics and set pieces, as well as rethinking moves at half time.”