MICHAEL Appleton is delighted with the condition in which Oxford United’s players have reported for pre-season.

The squad underwent fitness tests at Oxford Brookes University earlier this week and the head coach is pleased with the feedback from his sports science department.

Appleton said: “From what Procs (Andrew Proctor) and Scott (Daly) are saying they are absolutely delighted.

“I think there are a couple of them who have put a couple of per cent body fat on, which is normal.

“They have plenty of time to get that back down, but from what they’ve been telling me regarding their VO2 max tests it’s as good as they can expect.”

The U’s boss was glad to see the players back on the grass at Bisham Abbey for the first session of the summer yesterday.

They kick off in Sky Bet League One at home to Chesterfield five weeks today, although Appleton wishes it was much closer.

“I hate pre-season, it bores the life out of me,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to the start of the season, but I wish it was in two weeks’ time rather than five weeks.”