ROB Hall reckons Pep Clotet’s arrival has lifted Oxford United’s players in training this week.

The squad began their pre-season sessions in the wake of Michael Appleton’s departure to Leicester City.

But they received clarity with the appointment of Clotet, who spoke to them as a group on his first day in the job.

While the Spaniard has spent the week mainly observing from a distance, Hall is enthusiastic about the new boss’s impact.

He said: “When he came in on the first day he had a chat with us as a group, which was nice.

“He was very positive which lifted everyone.

“We went from not being aware of what was going on to it being settled and knowing the direction we’re going in.

“It kicked us on.”

The winger added: “All the lads are buzzing about it.

“Obviously there was a lot of speculation and we had four or five days waiting to see who it was.

“There could be changes and different things happening, but I do think it will all be positive and can only benefit everyone here.”