Oxford United paid tribute to their hosts Seacoast United at the end of a second successful pre-season tour.

The US club and their founder Paul Willis went to great lengths to ensure the U’s squad were well looked after during their ten-day stay.

United’s players bought gifts for their hosts before leaving and manager Chris Wilder was keen to put his thanks on record.

He said: “They’ve been superb and can’t do enough for you – it’s been a great relationship to have and hopefully continue.

“When people talk about going to America, it’s obviously a stand-out thing that’s happened over the last two pre-seasons. “We get good coverage, the players and staff enjoy it and I’m sure Paul and Seacoast enjoy it as well.”

Wilder was also pleased with the level of opposition the U’s faced in the three games.

He said: “I know Paul and (coach) Ian Scott.

They’re football people so they’ll want to make sure they’re respected in terms of the standard of the teams we play.

“They’ve been hand-picked, we’re not playing mug sides. “Yes, they’ve not been the toughest of challenges. We’ll face a more difficult game on Saturday (against Cardiff City) and then going into the season, but they’re competitive without going over the top.”