KARL Robinson name-checked four players past and present who have helped foster a positive atmosphere at Oxford United.
The U’s head coach marks 150 games in charge against Northampton Town tomorrow.
Just eight players remain from the United squad he inherited, with Simon Eastwood, Cameron Brannagan, John Mousinho and James Henry starting Robinson’s first match – a 3-0 defeat at Portsmouth on March 25, 2018.
Read also: Karl Robinson reflects on Oxford United 'rollercoaster'
The U’s boss feels the latter pair have been two of his key lieutenants alongside Jamie Mackie and Matty Taylor, who he signed in 2018 and 2019 respectively.
Robinson said: “There’s been some really good characters along the way.
“Jamie Mackie, John Mousinho and James Henry have probably been the biggest influences on the club’s development, in the way they create an atmosphere at a training ground.
“It rivals anything I’ve seen for a long time.
“I’d probably put Matty Taylor into that with his experience.”
Josh Ruffels, Sam Long, Rob Hall and Jack Stevens are the four other ever-presents during Robinson’s spell as manager, with the latter replacing Eastwood as United’s No 1 last month.
Robinson added: “You’ve also got the likes of Ruffs and Longy who have been here since the day I walked in the building.
“That’s why the Simon Eastwood decision was difficult, because he’d also been an influence from when I came in.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here