ALFIE Potter is looking forward to reconnecting with Oxford United supporters as his Oxford City side prepares to welcome the U’s for a pre-season friendly this evening.

Potter, who signed a new one-year extension with City earlier this week, played for United, initially on loan, from 2009 to 2015.

He made almost 200 appearances and his goal in the Blue Square Premier play-off final against York City in 2010 clinched promotion back to the Football League.

This evening’s fixture will be first time he has played for The Hoops against United.

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He said: “I knew we’d be playing Oxford United because I’ve played in plenty of these games on the other side.

“They used to be pretty tasty games at times, there used to be some hard tackles going in.

“Andy Ballard used to be the main culprit on Oxford City’s side.

“I’m looking forward to hopefully getting a good reception from the fans, it should be a real good occasion.”

Through his exploits on the pitch, Potter has always retained a good relationship with United supporters.

The 32-year-old said: “Every time I come up against Oxford United, I’ve had a real good reception.

“I feel like I’ve had such a good relationship with the majority of fans for a long time.

“I was sad to leave, but it was probably the right time.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the fans.”

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Despite some injury problems, Potter places his time at United towards the top of his career.

“I’ve had some good moments in football,” he said.

“I never kicked on as much as I’d hoped, but I’ve had some unbelievable moments.

“In my five and a half years at Oxford, I would have taken out some of the injuries, but I loved my time there.

“I look back on my time there so fondly, I loved playing for Chris Wilder and everyone around the club behind the scenes.

“It was a real family club and I loved every minute of it.”

Wilder left the U’s for Northampton Town in January 2014, and after achieving promotion with the Cobblers, he took over at boyhood club Sheffield United.

He led the Blades from League One to the Premier League, receiving a number of plaudits.

Potter praised the impact Wilder had on his own career.

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“He got the best out of me, when I signed I was a boy really, he helped me kick on and mature,” he said.

“I always really rated him as a manager.

“We knew he’d get his chance at a bigger club but sometimes wondered how he’d manage bigger players on more money.

“He was massive on team spirit, whether that be allowing the boys to have a drink and a beer at the right time.

“The majority of the boys would run through a brick wall for him.

“Was I surprised by how well he did?

“Probably, in that he got to the Premier League, but year after year he proved he was improving as a manager and had what it takes.”

Supporters are advised they will need a ticket to access Court Place Farm this evening.

Covid-19 safety protocols will be in place, with the stadium operating at reduced capacity.