ANTHONY Forde says every Oxford United player knows their responsibilities as they aim to continue a strong start to the season.

The U’s travel to AFC Wimbledon today (3pm) and a win could take them top of Sky Bet League One.

United’s early-season form has raised hopes of another promotion push, with Forde a veteran of two successive play-off campaigns.

The U’s added eight new signings to their first-team squad during the summer transfer window, but the 27-year-old revealed it is already a settled group.

Forde said: “The lads that have been here longer know how everything works.

“The new lads have picked it up really quick, they’ve said they’ve found it so easy to get used to the group, which sometimes can take a while.

“I think that shows the staff and the players welcome them in.

“The coaches can get their points across and it goes in straight away.”

All of United’s summer signings have played in League One before, while Ryan Williams and Jordan Thorniley have previously won promotion from the division – the latter with Blackpool in May.

Read also: Karl Robinson previews AFC Wimbledon clash

Forde added: “We’ve come close twice now.

“It feels like unfinished business and we really need to try and get it done this year.

“We all have the same ambition to get out of this league.

“We’ve got good experience in the squad that have been promoted in the past, so hopefully this is the year.

“We’ve focused on getting a better start, as realistically that’s what killed us last year.

“We’ve managed to do that and hopefully we can go on and get stronger.”

Forde signed a new one-year contract in July, after making 75 appearances in a range of positions over the previous two campaigns.

He signed as a winger in 2019, but Sam Long’s injury troubles have seen the Irishman fill in at right back again so far this season.

Forde said: “I just want to be playing.

“I’m probably enjoying it more than I did before.

“I’m getting a bit more used to it now, but I can also play different positions which is good as well.

“I just want to be playing every week, wherever that may be.

“Hopefully I can seal one position, but if the gaffer needs me to play somewhere else I’ll do that.”