OXFORD United’s campaign has gone well so far, but for Karl Robinson it properly gets going now with the change of seasons.

Autumn is with us and the chill in the air at the training ground yesterday hinted winter is not far around the corner.

United have risen to most of their challenges so far and will arrive at Rotherham United tomorrow on a roll.

Also read: Ben Woodburn returning to Oxford United squad today

But Robinson knows if his side are going to stay at the sharp end, they are entering the period where it will be a case of adapt or fall.

“It’s great clicking as a team when the sun’s shining and the ball’s rolling,” the head coach said.

“But let’s see if it clicks when the sleeves get rolled up.

“The season starts now and when you get into November this is when it matters.

“I’ve seen many teams who have loved August, September and October, but the next three months is what English football is all about.”

It is invariably also the moment squads are stretched the most as injuries and suspensions start to bite, without the ability to strengthen.

United will be affected by both at the New York Stadium tomorrow.

But they were similarly depleted last weekend and ran out 3-0 winners against Doncaster Rovers.

Also read: Oxford United have concerns over pair ahead of Rotherham United trip

That saw them climb to eighth, just four points off second spot – and while the natural reaction is to focus on the short-term, Robinson did not think there was any harm in aiming for the top two.

He said: “If you’re only trying to achieve the play-offs then if you fall short you’re out of it.

“Every team down to probably about 14th will tell you they feel they want to get into those automatic places.

“We have an internal target and believe we have a group of players in a good place.

“Everyone has different motivations for the season to be successful.

“I think we’ve found a group of players who are in that moment.”

Paul Warne’s Millers are just a point further back and will be one of the sides United are in direct competition with if they can stay the course in the promotion race.

Robinson is also well aware they have someone on their staff who knows him better than any of his existing backroom team.

He said: “Richie (Barker) was my assistant for four and a half years, so if anyone in the country knows how I want to play, he will know the most.

“I’m sure he will have had a big input this week.”

While United’s cancelled fixture with Bury means they sit out next Tuesday’s round of matches, they do host Sunderland in the Carabao Cup the following midweek.

And Robinson admits he would love a strong return before then to allow United to really embrace the tie.

He said: “It would be nice to go and get some good points on the board and then the Sunderland game can become a fun evening, because you know your league campaign is in a strong position.”