CHRIS Wilder put his Oxford United players through their paces yesterday – just to remind them that the pre-season tour to America is anything but a holiday.

The U’s landed in Boston on Monday, but with their opening match against Seacoast United kicking-off at 11.30pm British time tomorrow night, there is no time to relax.

Although United will step up their training today having had time to adjust their body clocks, Wilder is determined to get as much as possible out of the nine-day tour.

A double session yesterday in temperatures topping 100 degrees fahrenheit will be followed by an intense day today ahead of their opening game.

United will then take on National Premier League outfit Mass United on Saturday and Seacoast’s National Premier Soccer League side on Monday.

“We’ll be playing against three competitive sides,” Wilder said.

“Being American, they will want to win and I think it will be a great test physically.

“It’s all about kicking on in all aspects – physically and mentally.

“And when we come back I want us to improve again.

“The tour encompasses everything. I think it’s important that we get away and the players can get to know each other – to build a spirit which is vital.”