PEP Clotet is planning to make the most of extra time on the training pitch from today as Oxford United gear up for the start of the Sky Bet League One campaign.

A visit to Lincoln City was initially scheduled for tonight, but the new U’s boss scrapped the friendly in order to have extra time to drill his players.

The move gives the squad two clear weeks either side of Saturday’s dress rehearsal at Leeds United to fine-tune ahead of the opening-day trip to Oldham Athletic.

It frees up today and tomorrow, which would otherwise have been lost to the game and recovery.

And Clotet is aiming to reap the rewards of quality time with United’s players.

He said: “I’ve only really been able to have four full training sessions with them.

“That’s what we need now, to train a little bit more and get together more on the practice field.

“I have very good support from (assistant head coaches) Chris (Allen) and Faz (Derek Fazackerley), but what we need is a full week training and then the same next week before Oldham.

“We will be working on collective details in shape and positioning, how to press and create more problems up front, but always built on what they were using last season.”

It is likely to mean a gruelling couple of weeks lie in store, but striker Jon Obika believes everyone understands what the manager wants.

“Definitely, he’s drummed it into us and everyday we are learning,” he said.

“He wants us to work hard and work for the team – that’s how we will go forward.

“Come August 5 we will be ready.”

Kane Hemmings is due to be involved this week after missing Saturday’s defeat to Birmingham City with a tight quadricep.

Meanwhile, yesterday passed with no news on John Lundstram’s proposed transfer to Sheffield United, but it is still believed to be on track.