KARL Robinson is braced for the Sky Bet League One season to be extended so the coronavirus-hit campaign can finish.
Oxford United are scheduled to play their last game of 2020/21 on Saturday, May 8, but dozens of
Covid-enforced postponements across the English Football League (EFL) have created a fixture backlog.
This has led to fears the season may be suspended, although the EFL is thought to favour an extension instead.
With more postponements a strong possibility and only a few players from Leagues One and Two set to be involved in this summer’s European Championships, Robinson is preparing for a later finish.
“You’re almost expecting them to move it to the back end of May,” the U’s head coach said.
“I don’t see that being a problem for many people.
Oxford United boss: We are first club to face up to Covid 'breach'
“We didn’t start until September 12 and we’ve had two quite big breaks since.
“I certainly think it’s doable and we’ll do whatever it takes.
“The most important thing is people’s health, but if we get the season finished and keep people entertained we’ll be happy.”
United are still waiting for their trip to Bristol Rovers and home games against Doncaster Rovers and Shrewsbury Town to be rearranged, with the first two postponed due to Covid cases at their opponents.
The majority of League One clubs voted to curtail the 2019/20 season last June due to the pandemic, which saw the final positions decided by a points-per-game formula.
United were among those who wanted to play on, but resumed in July to contest the play-offs anyway.
It meant the U’s had a very quick turnaround before the current campaign began and Robinson feels clubs need a proper break before the start of 2021/22.
Karl Robinson: I know my Oxford United team for tomorrow night
He said: “Carrying on to the end of June means it would be two years without my players having a break.
“I think that becomes crazy.
“Whether we agree with it or not, we’ll accept the consequences and try to play as many games as we can to finish the season.”
One thing the U’s boss is confident on is that this season will not be curtailed like last term.
He said: “A large proportion of our population have an interest in our game.
“I think that’s why it will continue – it gives people some sort of normality when they’re sat at home.”
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