KARL Robinson is seeking to get off to a strong start at home as Oxford United look to carry over their impressive form at the Kassam Stadium from last season.
The U’s lost just four times at home in the last campaign, with only Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich Town tasting defeat less on home soil in Sky Bet League One.
Continuing that momentum this season will again be key if United are to launch another bid at promotion from the third tier.
Robinson said the support at home is crucial, with the backing from the stands something he sees as only improving this campaign.
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The U’s head coach said: “It’s massive, it’s a place we enjoy playing. The fans have been outstanding, I don’t think that will change – it’ll only get better.
“Our season tickets are at an all-time high, our shirt sales will be at an all-time high, our external revenue because of the fans buying into the culture of their football club.
“I go around the city quite often and I see more and more yellow shirts on young people.”
After not being registered in time for the opening day defeat at Derby County, Robinson is hoping to have Jodi Jones available for his debut – meaning more attacking options off the bench.
With former Coventry City winger Jones not available against Derby, Robinson could only look to Josh Murphy as a senior forward player to bring on.
Alex Gorrin, a holding midfielder, was used alongside Murphy in the 73rd minute, with the attacking alternatives for Robinson being the young duo of Tyler Goodrham and Gatlin O’Donkor.
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On Jones, Robinson said: “His contract is based on him being fit, but again he will come into the squad as you’d imagine.
“Don’t expect to see the best of Jodi for a number of weeks yet, he’s not played much football and we’ll see where that goes.
“The most attacking option we had was to bring a holding midfield player on to put one of our midfielders out wide.
“You shouldn’t have to do that, you should be able to change like for like at the top end of the pitch.
“I don’t think anyone on the bench had scored a goal from open play in two years, other than Ciaron Brown.”
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