The U's News

Robinson Responds About Uncertain Times

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Oxford United manager Karl Robinson remains uncertain about when his side will return to the pitch and admits he does not envy the administrators.

All of the U’s players are resting at home as they prepare to start individual fitness programmes on Thursday.

Robinson is hopeful of resuming training sessions next Monday after the training ground has been deep cleaned.

It’s merely precautionary to prevent the spread of coronavirus, with no confirmed cases at the club.

Later today, UEFA will meet to discuss ways to move forward. This follows the news that the EFL, among many other football organisations across the world, have suspended football, with the Football League postponed until April 3 at the earliest.

Robinson told the Oxford Mail: “The one thing I would say is I’m never going to judge what other people do and the decisions they have to make must be difficult.

“When you’re dealing with lives, they are the most difficult decisions anyone will have to make. The EFL is in a horrendous position.”

He added: “What’s the correct outcome? We don’t know. There are so many different things we’re not certain of.”

Staff at the club have begun working from home, with offices and shops closed until further notice. The club is also awaiting guidance from the EFL before making decisions on refunds for match tickets, which so far include postponed games against MK Dons, Wycombe Wanderers and Portsmouth.

The U’s trip to Rochdale on April 4 is still open and tickets are available, but Robinson admits he’s unsure whether that game will go ahead. Despite that, the squad will prepare as normal until told otherwise.

The U’s boss said: “We have the protocol in place and we’re ready to play after the third. We can only plan for what we’ve been told.

“I think if you spoke to anybody, not just football people, they would be very shocked if we play in a full stadium on that date.”

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