Chris Wilder is determined to steal a march on Oxford United’s Blue Square Premier rivals – by capturing his transfer targets as early as possible.

The U’s boss said this week’s signing of centre half Mark Creighton was just the first of what he hopes will be seven or eight new faces by the time the players return for pre-season training on July 6.

Shane Killock has already put pen to paper on a one-year deal, while fellow defenders Damian Batt and Kevin Sandwith have also signed contracts.

“Mark wanted to be part of what we are trying to achieve here and wants to improve as an individual and to help the team go forward,” said Wilder.

“I keep tabs on a lot of the players in this league and I knew there might be an opportunity of getting him.

“We feel he is the right age and he has experience of playing in this league, which is what we need in the team, in terms of the environment you face at some of these grounds. Mark has been there and done it.”

Wilder said it was important they struck while the iron was hot, adding: “We are looking to do our business early – we want to get it all sorted so that we can get on with our plans for next season.

“We have identified the players we will be trying to persuade to come here. I’m looking at getting a squad of maybe 19 or 20, but I want quality in those positions.