NINE games unbeaten is a terrific run – but what really matters is the result at Rotherham tomorrow.

Going through pre-season undefeated is great for confidence and self-belief, but in truth, counts for nothing when it comes to Oxford United’s promotion dreams.

You can look at different aspects of United’s preparations for the new season and it is largely all positive.

Every striker has scored, the defence/goalkeepers have kept clean sheets, midfielders have scored and made assists.

A few injuries are the only slight negative, but these are inevitable – it’s how you treat them and manage them that is key.

And it has been very much a ‘no risk’ approach from Chris Wilder so far – and that has to be the right way.

So attention turns to the Don Valley Stadium, and the first chance to show just what this new-look United team are all about.

Wilder says the slight change in transfer policy could be the key.

“We have brought in players of different ages,” he said.

“We have maybe gone for slightly more experience, but that’s because at times last season we were maybe a bit naive at times.

“We have learned from our first season back, have taken things on board and are ready to push on again now.

“You mustn’t forget though that it will still be only our second season back in the Football League, and that other teams will have that little bit more experience under their belts, but we are more than happy with where we are.”

Defender Michael Duberry says that the United players have been itching to get going for a few weeks now.

“It’s been a case of fine tuning in the past week or so,” he said.

“We did well in pre-season, have got into some very good habits, and we’re all just desperate to get started.

“We open with a game against one of the teams that have been tipped to challenge for promotion so we know it is going to be hard, but we will go there and hopefully do the business.”

Wilder added: “We know it will be a real test against Rotherham, but we will be as prepared as possible to make sure we get a result.”