KARL Robinson’s tough start to life at Oxford United would make victory tonight extra special for chairman Sumrith ‘Tiger’ Thanakarnjanasuth.

The 39-year-old was appointed in March 2018, one month after the U’s chief took over from Darryl Eales.

But United were bottom of Sky Bet League One 12 games into the U’s head coach’s first full season and only secured safety late in the campaign.

Also read: Oxford United have a plan whatever the play-off result – Tiger

Since then the U’s have gone from strength-to-strength, finishing fourth in 2019/20 under the EFL’s unweighted points per game formula to set up their play-off semi-final victory over Portsmouth.

It is an impressive turnaround and Tiger revealed how much it would mean to see United’s head coach lead his side to the Championship by beating Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley.

He said: “Karl deserves so much credit, but not just him.

“Everyone in the team has really worked hard.

Also read: Karl Robinson spells out the scale of Oxford United's chance

“I have so much confidence in Karl.

“I’m proud of him and he should be proud of himself.

“We had a chat and I said I really like (the idea of) being in this club together for the long term.

“I’m very proud of everyone at the club and looking forward to the game.”