Oxford United boss Des Buckingham explained that he 'knows what it means' as he prepares his side to face Reading for the first time in over 20 years.

Buckingham, an Oxford native, only joined last month after Liam Manning departed to join Bristol City.

A one-time Reading Academy hopeful, the young coach has had spells in India and New Zealand before taking charge of his boyhood club.

Yet to win as manager of the U's, Buckingham knows what a win over Reading would mean.

“I understand that it’s not the same as the Swindon Derby but after that it’s right up there,” he told the club's official channel. “When we were in League Two they got that push all the way through to the Premier League at one stage, so the game hasn’t happened for a while and I know what that means to the fans.

“It’s exciting, and we will take just under 3,000 people there so there will be a good atmosphere and it is up to us to put on a good performance and make sure those fans make the short trip home again with smiles on their faces.

“The players know what it means to play in a derby, and the ones who have grown up around here are certainly aware of the rivalry."

One local player for Reading who knows what it means is defender Nelson Abbey.

Growing up in Woodley, the 20-year-old has been a breakout star this season and has captained his boyhood club on multiple occasions.

Speaking after Saturday's defeat to Barnsley, the defender said: “Oxford is a big game for the Reading lads. This, especially for the fans, is a big one. Not just because of the derby but where we are in the league, it is coming towards Christmas and we need to start putting more points on the board."

Spaniard Ruben Selles admitted he was fully aware of the bragging rights at stake, but told the media that he will set his team out to beat the U's.

"We will take all of the factors into preparation, see whose fresh to play and how we can hurt them to beat them.""