New Cheltenham Town boss Paul Buckle started work a day early this week to improve the chances of getting a result against Oxford United tomorrow.

The former Torquay United and Luton Town boss has been living in the United States.

But he returned to English football after being offered the chance to replace Mark Yates, who was sacked after almost five years in charge on Monday.

Cheltenham had originally scheduled the announcement for yesterday, but the 43-year-old brought it forward so he could maximise the amount of time available to spend with the squad.

Latest United news:

“The reason I have come back today (Wednesday) and not on Thursday is to have that extra day with the players,” he said at his unveiling.

“It’s a huge game for us, given our position in the league and it’s a big game for Oxford, who will come here confident they can jump above us.

“It’s a big game for everyone, but it’s an opportunity for the players to show me what they are about and I am really looking forward to it.”

The extra session could have an impact on how the hosts line-up against United tomorrow, with Buckle considering a change of system.

He said: “I know the team have been playing five at the back, so we’ll discuss whether or not we do that on Saturday not.

“I have a man management style and it’s a style where everyone will get a chance.”

  •  Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.