The landlords of Wiener Neustadt's many pubs and bars must be thanking their lucky stars after this week's visit of more than 250 Oxford United fans.

Not only have they drunk the town dry, they've also made many new friends and strengthened the bonds between supporters and the club ahead of what could be a big season.

It's been an experience that none of the travelling band of supporters will ever forget, far exceeding even their wildest hopes.

By midday on Tuesday the town was crawling with yellow-clad supporters bedecked in souvenir t-shirts provided by the club and the Yellow Army — a fantastic gesture.

With seemingly every hotel room booked up by United fans, they were soon spilling out of the bars and into the pretty central square to march to the stadium en masse for that evening's match.

The scenes created in the stands throughout what was an admittedly drab game will certainly live long in the memory for all who there to witness it.

With numbers far exceeding any pre-trip estimates, the noise and colour — including an awe-inspiring continental display of pyrotechnics — showed the club's support at its finest and clearly took the players and staff by surprise.

Back at Clumsy's English Bar for the post-match fan party that evening, the squad repaid the travelling supporters' dedication with an unannounced visit and the already raucous gathering almost lifted the roof off with singing which carried on long into the night.

It really had to be seen to be believed.

Wednesday was a more relaxed affair and the bonds between squad and fans were strengthened further as players mingled with around 50 supporters at the training ground before heading off to enjoy a barbecue together — which was again very generously paid for by the club's owners.

As an exercise in positive public relations, the trip couldn't have gone much better for the club, but it's the supporters who were the real winners.

Those 250 fans have made memories they will never forget, formed counties new friendships and raided hopes for the season ahead.

And after a phenomenally warm welcome from the good people of Wiener Neustadt it's no wonder every one of them is desperate to do it all over again next summer.