OXFORD United head coach Karl Robinson said there’s nothing like football in front of supporters as thousands of fans returned to the Kassam Stadium.

The U’s had not played in front of a capacity crowd since February 2020, but were back for the visit of Charlton Athletic on Saturday.

During the pandemic, supporters had only been able to see United in the flesh for four home games, although those matches all had restricted numbers.

A crowd of 8,440 watched as Ryan Williams and Cameron Brannagan scored to seal a 2-1 win for the U’s, their first victory of the new season.

See also: Our ratings for Oxford United’s win against Charlton

Robinson said: “It’s great to see fans back even when they’re giving us stick.

“It’s part of our tradition and our culture that we have fans who care for their football club so much.

“Playing in front of fans, there’s nothing like it and I thought my players rose to the occasion.

“The fans know how important they are to us – they’re the reason why we do our job, the game is about them.

“This is their county, this is their city, this is where they’re born and brought up – we’re only ever passing through anybody’s football club for a very small moment.

“Our fans are born into the football club and they’ll be fans of this football club for the rest of their lives.”

Australian winger Williams found himself playing in defence after an injury in the warm up to Anthony Forde.

The new role did not faze the summer signing, who scored the opening goal of the game.

Williams played for United during the 2013/14 season, during a loan spell from Fulham.

The match against Nigel Adkins’ Charlton side signalled a winning return for the former Portsmouth player.

Read also: Watch the goals as fans return to the Kassam

Speaking after the game, he said: “I enjoyed it and it was nice to be back in front of fans.

“I had nothing but good memories here so hopefully we can carry that on.

“The noise was awesome because it’s been such a long time and like that old adage, football’s nothing without the fans.

“It was nice for us to give them back something after them waiting so patiently.”

Midfielder Brannagan was United’s most creative influence, and was rewarded with the second goal of the game.

He said: “It was great to see everybody and I’m glad we won for them.

“They’ve missed football just as much as we’ve missed them – we’ve missed them so much.

“To walk out in front of everyone felt so special.

“The more people we get in, the better and we want to keep seeing them here supporting us and pushing us.

“To have everyone back is so special and long may it continue.”