KARL Robinson has called on Oxford United to be brave this summer as the head coach begins to plan for the future.

The 1-0 win at Doncaster Rovers virtually guaranteed Robinson’s short-term target was fulfilled – preserving the U’s status in Sky Bet League One.

That position may get even stronger tonight as Rochdale and Oldham Athletic play their games in hand.

While they are still mathematically in the relegation battle, United’s relative security means Robinson is now beginning to put plans in place for a busy summer.

And the message to chairman Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth is simple.

He said: “If we get backed in the summer, we’ll be successful. If we’re brave in the summer, we’ll be successful.

“We have to change our mentality. This club used to act big when it was successful and then we’ve gone backwards and now we’re starting to push forwards.

“We’ll settle for survival this year, but next year we have to push into the top-ten and push for the play-offs, that’s the bare minimum.

“But this gives us an opportunity to look forward as a group and I’m ecstatic for everyone involved.”

Robinson has been busy behind the scenes since taking charge last month.

Contact has been made with several targets already, with a couple due to be receiving a call from the U’s boss on his way home from Doncaster.

A clear-out has also begun to a squad Robinson has described as ‘embarrassingly’ big,

Several players have been told they are surplus to requirements, with others set to follow if results go United’s way tonight.

“I’ve already done four or five,” he said. “You wouldn’t know because our squad is far too big.

“After Tuesday, we’ll have a right good take of where everyone is at.

“We’ll look at the table once everyone has played their games in hand and then we’ll make a decision on whether we make that call on Thursday or Friday or we leave it to the following week when we know we’re mathematically safe.”

On transfer targets, he added: “I’m meeting three players this week as well to hopefully move forward for next year.

“I’ve got permission to speak to one or two, just to see what we can do.”