Oxford United manager update ahead of League One clash with Bristol Rovers

Karl Robinson will remain in charge of Bristol Rovers weekend opponents Oxford United, it is understood.

The U’s are on a bad run of form with six defeats in seven, similar to the Gas, and there is pressure mounting on the 42-year-old. Oxford’s last win came on January 21 against Ipswich Town, but since then their form has dipped.

Oxford are just seven points off of Robinson’s former club MK Dons, who occupy the fourth and final relegation spot. They were expected to challenge for at least a play-off spot after missing out last season.

A report from the Oxford Mail says that Robinson will remain in his post for the time being. They add that there is no ‘indication’ that the club’s board will make a change imminently.

Despite their bad run of form, which has them below Rovers in the table, and 20 points off of the top six, Robinson believes he can still guide his side to promotion.

"The results are horrific but this isn’t about me as a manager," he said in an interview with BBC Radio Oxford last Saturday.

“I know the things that need to be done and I still believe that I will get this football club out of League One. I know what needs to happen, we know where we’ve gone wrong, and we will make sure that we make it right.

“I can promise you that things are changing. If they [club board] make a decision [about my future] it is out of my control.

“Will I look back at my time here as successful? Yes 100%. Consistent cup runs, play-off campaigns, this is just a bad year in my tenure and I take responsibility for that.”

Robinson’s next game in charge is against Rovers at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday, October 25. The match has been moved to a 12.30 pm kick-off after a request from Thames Valley Police.

In the reverse fixture, Rovers beat Oxford 1-0 at the Memorial Stadium in August, with John Marquis scoring his first goal for the club. Former Gas striker Matty Taylor will not play a part as he departed for Darrell Clarke’s Port Vale on deadline day. Kyle Joseph, a player that Rovers wanted to sign, could feature however.