KARL Robinson says a new member of his backroom team will provide a vital link between himself and Oxford United’s owner.

The U’s are close to bringing in a coach to fill the position vacated by Chris Allen’s move to the new under 23 side.

And Robinson believes the role of the second new face will be crucial to United’s progression, dealing on a regular basis with Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth.

“There will be a coach and then somebody who works in between me and Tiger (Thanakarnjanasuth),” he said.

“What we can’t lose here is connection with our owner. I think sometimes fans are a little bit worried about that.

“I can assure them Tiger has been as supportive as (anyone) I’ve worked with for a long time.

“This person will work on recruitment and a number of different things to bring everything together.

“The person I have in mind is very good at that and he’s someone that knows me and is not frightened to tell me when I’m wrong.

“I think that’s important, because he knows me he has that freedom to argue with me.”