Oxford United will just concentrate on their own game and not worry about events elsewhere while they play Burton Albion at the Kassam Stadium on Sunday (12 o’clock)
“I didn’t follow the other games this week because I have no control over them so it’s a waste of energy” Karl Robinson told iFollow today. “Saturday at Shrewsbury has given us a chance and for this team, two consecutive seasons to achieve what we have done and to get 70 plus points again, equalling the biggest away win record that we set last season, the longest winning run in the club’s history, biggest points total at this level since 1996, overachieving the budget again, selling players for millions of pounds: it has been exceptional.
“At times people have been frustrated but the passion by the people wearing the yellow shirt, and those supporting them has been amazing. It gives each of us a real sense of pride to have stuck together for this long.
“I have been in the same situation twice before, achieved it once, missed out once so you just don’t know. Six years ago I was involved in a similar game where we were a point adrift ahead of a 12 o’clock game on a Sunday. We felt staying overnight was the best way of doing things because we can get them together, do our usual pre match walk, get the right foods cooked properly and you’re in control of everything. So we will meet at a hotel on Saturday then be ready on Sunday morning.
“I think Burton’s form is second in the league this year and Jimmy is someone I know well. I stayed and talked to him after the game at their place and I actually said to him "what are you doing?" It looked an impossible job. He looked at me and said "we’ll have a go”. Hats off to him. He has done amazingly well and I look forward to seeing him on Sunday. He believes in fitness, energy and organisation. Don’t expect us to turn up and be free flowing, there will be a few nerves obviously and Burton have players who can hurt you. They’ve not been a lucky side for us over the years so there are a lot of pitfalls if we don’t respect the opposition.
“But it’s nice to even be in this situation after all we have gone through. No fans in the stadium, trying to keep everyone motivated for two years non stop, an FA hearing this week: but it has been an amazing push by everyone.
“We have all struggled at different moments, mentally, physically and have all worked hours that have far surpassed anything we have ever had to face before. It has been a long period for all of us and there have been so many twists and turns but hopefully the world is getting back to normal and we hope we get a chance to see our fans again soon. They are the biggest motivation we need.”
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