JAKE Wright admitted it was an odd experience to face Oxford United for the first time.

The centre back’s six-and-a-half years with the club came to an end last month and he made his Sheffield United debut in the 2-1 defeat of Michael Appleton’s side.

Wright’s previous experience of returning to a former employer was one to forget – being sent off for the U’s against Bradford City in 2010.

The centre back was determined to avoid a repeat this time.

“It was very strange,” he said.

“It’s the first time I’ve played against a club where I’ve been for a long time.

“My family grew up in Oxford – my two boys were born there.

“It was a difficult experience and I was a lot more nervous than normal.

“The game meant more to me than normal. It shouldn’t and I tried not to because the last time I did that I got sent off.”

While Wright greeted many of his former teammates in the warm-up, he was not in the mood to do any favours once the game started.

And he was also able to use the inside knowledge of the U’s camp to assist Blades boss Chris Wilder’s preparations.

He said: “I know a lot about their team and their staff, so obviously the gaffer used me as much as he could for information on set pieces and stuff.

“That’s what you’ve got to do.

“I’ve got some really good friends in the Oxford team, people I’ll speak to for the rest of my life.

“I’ve been speaking to them through the week as normal and I will do it next week.

“I was there six-and-a-half years so I grew very close to these players.

“But once you cross that line, I want to smash them and beat them.”