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‘Oxford United want to play’ – Robinson Hopeful For Restart

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Oxford United manager Karl Robinson has made it clear that the club want to play all remaining fixtures if allowed to do so.

Following the suspension of football from March due to the coronavirus pandemic, the EFL will now vote as to how they intend to conclude the campaign.

A number of ideas have been bounced around. EFL chairman Rick Parry has insisted that all remaining fixtures must be completed by the end of July, while the Athletic have reported on a weighted points-per-game (PPG) system to decide promotion and relegation.

If that idea is taken forward, Robinson’s side would finish third and gain promotion to the Championship. Despite the possible outcome, the U’s boss would rather play all remaining fixtures.

Speaking to Chris Williams on Zoom before being uploaded to YouTube, Robinson said: “I think it’s important the fans know what our decision will be.

“I’ve heard so many rumours over the last 48 hours, seven days, 14 days, well here’s the rumours cleared up – Oxford United want to play.

“If it’s safe, Thames Valley Police support it, the government allow, if the EFL want it and other teams want it then Oxford United’s vote will be to continue the season at a date that’s safe for everybody, understanding that if it gets to a certain date we can’t spoil two seasons.

“We’ve also mentioned if people don’t want to play, we respect whatever their motives are. People might say our motives are we want to go up, which is why we want to play.

“But I’m also hearing there’s different permutations where if we don’t play we still could. We’d much rather play, it’s that simple.”

One club that have threatened to take legal action if the PPG action is required is Peterborough United. The Posh, and their chairman Darragh McAnthony, have been extremely unhappy with the possible outcome, with the club occupying a playoff spot.

But Robinson has another option. It would include a playoff between the top ten sides, but they would start on the points and goal difference already gained this season.

He added: “I think it’s quite fair and gives everyone an opportunity.

“The longer it goes on the more I’m hearing there are less people who want to play, so it does throw into question what we think will be the outcome.

“It has sown a few seeds of doubt into my mind over recent weeks, but I’m preparing to play.”

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